Corn husking: Dorrell, Davis, Youngdahl earn top honors in annual pie contest

From left to right, Patsy Dorrell of Marceline, Nichole Davis of Miami, and Alta Youngdahl of Marshall, all winners in the single/double-crust pie division at the annual corn husking pie contest. (Geoff Rand/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Sixteen different pies were up for auction at this year's Corn Husking Festival Pie Auction, a number Kathy Tyre referred to as "middle-of-the-road," saying the number of pies varies between 10 and 30.

As the three judges moved from pie to pie, inspecting them, reading their ingredients, even smelling them before finally taking, in many cases, a small sliver of a bite, no less than five groups of observers came to themselves inspect the pies on which they would soon be bidding.

After 45 minutes of judging, or an average of approximately three minutes per pie for each judge, the results began to be tabulated.

Melba Gallway came in first in the meringue division with a lemon meringue pie. Chantal Ross and Betsy Dorrell received second and third place, respectively, for their meringues.

In the single/double-crust division, Nichole Davis' pecan pie received the highest marks, with second- and third-place runners-up being Alta Youngdahl and Patsy Dorrell.

Pies went for varied prices, though few for less than $50, due in part to pre-made bids by several local banks.

Only two whole pies were sold for $150 or more, while individual pieces tended to be sold for amounts closer to $5.

Contact Geoff Rands at marshallreporter@socket.net