‘Easy as pie’ for talented winners of Pie Social

The Wimberley Annual Pie Social celebrated another successful year last Saturday at the Wimberley Valley Museum grounds. Cloudy but pleasant weather kept attendees comfortable as they enjoyed a day filled with family fun, food and friendly competition.

The tradition began in 1990 when a small group gathered at the Dobie House on Old Kyle Road to host an old-fashioned pie social. Now held at the museum, the event offered homemade pie slices for sale, hot dogs, musical entertainment, a competitive pie baking contest and a lively pie eating competition that raised funds for the preservation of the Wimberley Valley Museum.

The pie eating contest was judged by Chef Jay Bachman, who also provided the pies for the competition. Doug McLean won the Senior Division, while Maxwell Seymour claimed victory in the Junior Division.

A highlight of the day was the fiercely competitive Pie Baking Contest. Judges tasted fifty five entries blind, selecting winners in each category.

The Grand Prize was won by Jack Von Gonten for his Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie.

In the Fruit category, first prize was claimed by Craig Park for his Old Baldy Caramel Pecan Apple Pie. Winning second was Susie White for her Strawberry Balsamic Pie. Taking the third-place ribbon was Rebecca Gaudina for her Raspberry Creme creation.

In the Nut category, Jack Von Gonten won first for his Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie. Anna White won second place with her Fudge Pecan. In third was Juna Brown for her Pistachio Cream.

In the Cream-Custard category, the first place winner was Lindsey Hein for her Cream of Key Lime. Kathryn Sturdivant won second place for her Strawberry Cream with Meringue Crust. Winning third was Tracy Von Gonten for her Wilma’s Goose Egg Buttermilk Chess Pie.

In the Specialty category, Julie White won first for her Texas Peach Cream with Pecan Crust. In second place for his Chocolate Espresso Hazelnut was Videll Keys. Karen Poe took third for her Margarita Pie.

In the Kids category, in first place was Ree Brown for an Oatmeal Cream Pie. Reed Elliott’s Apple Pie won second place, and winning third place was Finley Gandy for Grandma Jane’s 5-Star Cherry Pie.

Jack Von Gonten’s Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie took home the Grand Champion title. Last year, Von Gonten earned second place with a similar pie, but the addition of bourbon this year may have made the winning difference.

Von Gonten received two ribbons, a trophy and a $50 gift certificate to Kiss the Cook.

A spirited auction, led by Ryan Rosborough, featured the five first-place pies and raised additional funds for the museum.

This year’s Kid’s Corner featured six young pie bakers. Logan Brown, Caroline Myers and Braxton Coyle were recognized with Awards of Excellence and had their photos taken with event emcees. The kids’ midway games offered fun and prizes, adding to the family- friendly atmosphere.

Other attractions included Mini Equine 2U’s miniature horses and donkeys, and demonstrations by Freedom Canines service dogs. For adults, a new corn hole tournament drew competitive players across several heats.

First place was won by Cecily Jones with Carroll Etheredge coming in second and John Poe third.

This year’s event was made possible by loyal sponsors Brookshire Brothers, H-E-B, Ozona Bank, Sonora Bank and Wimberley Café.

The City of Wimberley provided two shuttle buses running between the Pie Social and the Wimberley Arts Fest, helping visitors easily travel between events.

The Wimberley Valley Museum is operated by the Wimberley Institute of Cultures, which works to foster appreciation of the Wimberley Valley’s historical, natural and cultural resources. The museum is open the first and third Saturdays of each month or by appointment. Admission is free.

Organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, sponsors and community members who made this year’s Pie Social a success. Plans are already underway for next year’s event.