It’s time to announce the Judges for this year’s Apple-Palooza!  Sorry to keep you all waiting until the end of the day…

Returning from the first two years of pie judging…

Uncle Bob Lapacek!  Frank’s brother and Jared’s Uncle – Lover of all things sweet, dessert-like and of course – Pie!

Alan Otto – Capri’s godfather, a good friend of ours and a pie eater for the past 34 years!

And – now to announce who won the public hearts…

332 votes were cast… and the top four contenders and 2013 pie judges are….

Apple Pie Judge #1! 

(with 78 votes…)

Darcy Miller

Have you ever judged a pie and/or food contest before?

No I have not judged a food contest, however I do have to critic my students on food they make.

Why do you think you’d be a good apple pie judge?

I love apple pie and I also  don't think I would ever get sick of apple pie so trying lots of it in a short amount of time sounds like a good plan to me.  I love to bake and have a fairly good idea of what makes a good pie.

What is your favorite thing about eating pie?

I think of pie making and pie eat both as an art form.  But my favorite part is savoring the taste.

How many years have you been enjoying pie?

Since Hector was a pup :)

What qualities do you look for in a good pie?

I look for texture, taste, appearance and the feeling that lots of love was put into the pie during the process.

Do you believe you could be a ‘fair and unbiased’ pie judge?  Yes

Apple Pie Judge #2!

(with 66 votes)

Walker Crawford

Have you ever judged a pie and/or food contest before?

Yes, friends of mine hold a periodic contest. We all cook/bake and then judge each other. And then devour the work of course.

Why do you think you’d be a good apple pie judge?

Because I grew up on a farm enjoying the "fruits" of our labor and I've been making pies myself for the last 20 years.

What is your favorite thing about eating pie?

Honestly, the crust. and more importantly, that point where the crust and the filling meet. The point makes or breaks a pie. I also love the many different tangs and sweetness that can come from a single pie when fruit is involved.

How many years have you been enjoying pie?

30+. My maternal grandmother was a wonderful baker and my grandfather her ever faithful pie lover. So there was a lot of pie for dessert.

What qualities do you look for in a good pie?

I hearty crust and a well-balanced filling that come together in a way that looks good and makes every bite better than the last.

Do you believe you could be a ‘fair and unbiased’ pie judge?

Absolutely. I have no issues telling folks my opinion because I'm always looks for the same from others.

Anything else you’d like to share with the voters about your pie judging dreams?

I think this would be a great deal of fun, mind you, I realize it will also be tough to judge thoughtfully on so many delicious pies. I believe it will be a worthwhile endeavor though and will serve my fellow bakers well.

Apple Pie Judge #3!

(with 51 votes)

Trisha Frankland

Have you ever judged a pie and/or food contest before?

YES! I judged an apple pie contest for the area's Christian women's group about 10 years ago. But for some reason they never invited me back.

Why do you think you’d be a good apple pie judge?

I come from a long line of pie bakers and pie eaters. My dad's family is famous for pie: our Priewe family reunions aren't just "bring a dish to pass" - it's "bring a dish AND A PIE or don't even show up." Have you ever had groundcherry pie? Or passed over the normal creamy pumpkin pie for a double-crust sliced pumpkin pie (which tastes kinda like apple)? Well, that's just the tip of the Priewe pie iceberg! You know how graffiti artists have a "tag" they use as a signature? Well, the bakers in my family have been "tagging" their pies for generations with custom vent designs that are as individual as fingerprints and recognizable as the nose on your face.

What is your favorite thing about eating pie?

Umm, the pie part? Sugar and fruit - it doesn't get any better. I'll pass by chocolate anytime but don't let me even near a yummy apple pie if you hope to come away unscathed.

How many years have you been enjoying pie?

They say a real lady never reveals her age! And since that's not a concern, I can admit I'm 41 years old. And let's just say I've eaten a lot of pie in my day - in my family, it's one of the first solid foods we give to babies. The hips don't lie.

What qualities do you look for in a good pie?

Tasty crust is imperative - too many otherwise great pies are ruined by bland, pasty crusts that are nothing but a carrier for the luscious fillings. How many times have you seen otherwise-empty plates with a leftover pie rind? Too many! Why waste that space when you could make it YUMMY too?!?

Do you believe you could be a ‘fair and unbiased’ pie judge?

Probably not - I'm easily purchased with flattery and gifts. But I'm also extremely opinionated and know my own mind - just ask me, and you'll see.

Anything else you’d like to share with the voters about your pie judging dreams?

I think pie baking is an endangered art form. I think pie eating is an under-rated hobby. And I think you should agree with everything I say.

AND…last but not least…

Apple Pie Judge #4!

(with 46 votes)

Neil Stechschulte

nominated by his lovely wife!

Have you ever judged a pie and/or food contest before?

He has never been a pie judge before but he’s taken a lot of photos of pie contests.

Why do you think you’d be a good apple pie judge?

He’s a fantastic judge of flavors and textures.

What is your favorite thing about eating pie?

Neil loves EVERYTHING about pie.

How many years have you been enjoying pie?

Neil has eaten pie for 41 glorious years.

What qualities do you look for in a good pie?

Neil always looks for a pretty pie, but in the end, when it comes down to it, if a pie tastes good going down, he’s going to be a happy judge.

Do you believe you could be a ‘fair and unbiased’ pie judge?

Neil is the epitome of fair and unbiased.  He would never judge a pie by its maker.

Anything else you’d like to share with the voters about your pie judging dreams?

Neil dreams about pie in all its forms – apple, pumpkin, cherry, chocolate, strawberry rhubarb, raspberry, or chicken.  There are many times when he will yell “WOMAN, MAKE ME A PIE!”

I hope you will consider NEIL STECHSCHULTE as a judge for Apple-Palooza 2013!

Thanks so much for joining in the fun of this year’s Pie Judge Selection!  And thanks to all the folks who entered to be a judge!  I really appreciate all your support in my crazy ideas for this orchard.

If you are interested in baking a pie for the contest please send me an email: {lapaceksorchard at gmail dot com} with your name and pie baking story (if you have one – if you don’t have a story, no worries). Plan on arriving at the orchard by 12:45pm with your pie. Pie viewing and photo’s will take place at 1:00pm and judging will start at 1:30pm.