BROKEN BOW – Pie bakers and pie tasters alike gathered at the Sandhills Journey National Scenic Byway visitors center just east of Broken Bow on Thursday afternoon to determine this year’s pie contest champion.
Despite pie numbers being down compared to years past, organizers and those purchasing slices of pie for a free will donation were thrilled with the quality of pies entered. Judges Eric Storer, Mona Weatherly, and Kyle Kellum all agreed the judging was difficult but enjoyable.
Pies entered included peach streusel, apple cheddar, traditional apple, rhubarb cream, and dutch apple.
In the end, the judging tally saw Merilee Johnson named the champion with her Dutch apple pie, Colleen Weber second with her rhubarb, and Shannon Cooksley third also with a Dutch apple.
Johnson will have her name added alongside past champions on the plaque that hangs inside the visitors center.
Past winners include:
2019- Karen Smith with a crunchy caramel apple pie
2021- Dianne Anderson with a cherry pie with streusel topping
2022- Peggy Walters with a strawberry rhubarb pie
2023- Barbara Ottun with a strawberry rhubarb pie
