No hands allowed

WARWICK — Noble Pies will again be busy at Warwick Applefest on Sunday, Oct. 2.
In addition to selling handmade pies at their booth, they will judge the Apple Pie Baking Contest and host the Apple Pie Eating Contest.
For many years, the pie baking contest has been a tradition for local bakers and others in the Hudson Valley, with over 25 entries each year. There are divisions for young bakers and amateur adults, and a ribbon is awarded for the most creative pie. After the contest, the pies are sliced and sold to the public to benefit the Warwick Ecumenical Food Pantry.
Entries for the baking contest, which is free, must be accompanied by an entry form and dropped off by 11:30 a.m. at booth #81 on Bank Street.
• See rules and entry form at www.warwickapplefest.com.

Eat that pie

Following the Apple Pie Baking Contest, the Apple Pie Eating Contest begins at 3 p.m. in the same location.
This is an exciting event for competitors and spectators alike. There are separate age groups for children, as well as an adult competition. The contest requires eating an apple pie with a 10-minute time limit. No hands allowed.
“It seems like spectators have the most fun, cheering for everyone and watching whole pies get devoured in minutes,” said Leslie Noble, owner of Noble Pies.
Winners of both contests will receive a free pie per month for three months, courtesy of Noble Pies.
For the pie eating contest, there is a $1 entry donation for children under 16, and a $5 donation for adults, which will go to the Warwick Ecumenical Food Pantry. To reserve a spot in the contest, email contest@noblepies.com, call Noble Pies at 845-986-7436, or sign up in person at booth #81 by 2:30 p.m.
Warwick Applefest began in 1989 as a simple harvest celebration. Named one of the “Top 100 Events” in the country, more than 30,000 visitors now attend the one-day event. Warwick welcomes area residents, as well as visitors from neighboring states, to enjoy Applefest’s craft and food vendors, music and entertainment.
The festival is produced by the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, and festival proceeds benefit this and other local non-profit organizations.