NORTH READING — Who bakes the most scrumptious classic apple pie in town? It is time for our town’s best bakers to dust off their rolling pins and peel their apples because the North Reading Historical and Antiquarian Society wants to find out!

The Society invites all bakers in town—young, old, and in-between—to enter a pie in the contest to be held during the upcoming Apple Festival on Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on the grounds of the Putnam House, 27 Bow Street (rain date: Sunday, Sept. 22). A panel will blind judge all pie entries on appearance, texture and taste starting at 11 a.m. Winners and runners-up will be announced at noon, followed by a presentation of ribbons and prizes, and a photograph of the winners.

Since 1995, the Society has organized the Apple Festival to celebrate the town’s bygone orchards and raise funds to preserve and protect North Reading history. The Apple Festival will feature live entertainment, slices of apple pie (with or without ice cream), food and drinks (including hot cider), pony rides, face painting and games for children, craft and merchandise booths, as well as a raffle and silent auction of original artwork by local artists.

The 1720 Rev. Daniel Putnam House, Farm Museum, West Village School House, First Meeting House, Tin and Cobblers Shop, and Sgt. Flint House will also be open to the public.

OFFICIAL CLASSIC APPLE PIE CONTEST RULES

This is a walk-up contest — no pre-registration required.

• The contest is open to North Reading residents only.

• Youth entrants must be between ages 12-17.

• Adult entrants must be 18 years of age or older.

• Pies must be made from scratch. Top and bottom crusts are required. No crumb crusts.

• No nuts, raisins, cranberries, or other fruits are allowed.

•Lattice pastry work, decorative cutouts, and decorations with food coloring and/or sugars are permitted.

• Pies must be delivered at room temperature.

Attach a piece of paper to the bottom of the entry pie containing the entrant’s name, address, phone number, and (if youth), age. Please deliver contest pies to the Putnam House between 8–10 a.m. on the day of the Apple Festival. If using a non-disposable pie plate, please pick it up by 3 p.m.

For more information about the Apple Festival check out the Society’s website (nreadinghistory.org) or send an email to: apple@nreadinghistory.org. Happy baking!