Hootin an Hollarin pie baking contest is Saturday morning

The 2025 Hootin an Hollarin pie-baking contest will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Shelter Insurance office on the southwest corner of the Gainesville square. Area bakers are encouraged to show off their pie-baking skills with any type of pie. Past contests have included pot pies, mincemeat pies, berry, strawberry rhubarb, cream pies and more. Pies will be accepted beginning at 10:30 a.m. There are no age limits, residency requirements or other qualifications for entrants. A panel of judges will sample all of the pies and choose a grand champion as well as first, second and third places. Pies are judged on appearance, taste and crust. After the winners are announced on the main stage, the office will be opened (likely around 12:30 p.m. or so) for guests to come and sample the winning pies. The grand prize pie contest winner will receive a unique trophy handmade by Todd Friese of Bargain Bin in Gainesville.