The Fridley 49er Days Pie Baking Contest has become a well-known and anticipated event in the north metro area. It attracts bakers of all kinds and ages, ranging from silver haired grandmothers who have been baking for 30 years, to fresh faced eighteen-years-olds who thought it would be fun to try.
It’s hard to believe this is an amateur contest. Over the last two years, sophisticated flavor combinations and intricate crust designs are both the norm here. And no wonder ambitious and talented people take a shot, the Grand Prize is $1,000-- the largest monetary prize for a Pie Baking Contest in the state of Minnesota.
This beloved event partners with local businesses to bring fair, professional judging while also showcasing some of our best gems in Fridley. Baker’s Square (Northtown, Blaine) has adopted the role as judge, Maria D State Farm Agency (Fridley) generously sponsors the $1,000 Grand Prize, and Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts (Fridley) creates custom Pie themed art as prizes (instead of trophies). The high popularity and large grand prize caught the interest of Star Tribune last year. You can read about it HERE.
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This year, the contest will take place on Saturday, June 27th 1:00-4:00 at Commons Park in Fridley. All aspects of the pie must be made from scratch, there is no charge to enter.
Think you have what it takes to win? All amateur bakers who live or work in Fridley, Coon Rapids, Columbia Heights or Blaine can enter in any of three categories: fruit, cream and original/creative. Judging is done on a point system, the most points overall will win the Grand Prize. Highest points in each category will win as well. You must register with the City of Fridley (no charge). You may also direct any questions to Event Chair, Mandy Meisner at [email protected]
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Seriously, who sponsors a $1,000 Pie Baking Contest?! Read about it, HERE.
Who needs a trophy, when you can have ART?
Who has the final word? Read about our Judge, HERE.
Read about Contestant, Anoka County Commissioner, Robyn West, HERE.
