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Bakers wanted for annual pumpkin pie contest
pie contest pic3
Dubyak Family Chiropractic center is hosting its annual Pumpkin Pie Contest to support the hungry citizens of Stanislaus County on Nov. 21. - photo by Journal file photo

 

The Dubyak Family Chiropractic Center is calling on bakers of all ages and skill levels to show off their culinary skills while making a difference this Thanksgiving with its 22nd annual Pumpkin Pie Contest.

When David Dubyak saw the good work that the United Samaritans Foundation was doing through its Daily Bread mobile food truck, he decided to begin the Pumpkin Pie Contest in order to encourage the Turlock community to get involved as well.

“We thought it would be cool if we could do something about the people who needed help in the city,” said Dubyak. “We didn’t have a lot of food or money to give, so we thought this contest could motivate other people to help out.”

Dubyak has collaborated with USF for over two decades to donate the contest’s pumpkin pies to the foundation’s annual Thanksgiving meal given to those in need through the food truck.

“It’s about everyone having a nice traditional yummy meal,” said Dubyak. “I think the people that are getting these pies and knowing someone made them for them has got to make them feel good.”

To enter the competition, bakers must drop off two pies at the Dubyak Family Chiropractic Center, 3008 Geer Rd., between the hours of 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Nov. 21.  Local dignitaries will judge pies based on appearance, texture and taste of the crust, and the texture and taste of the general pie. The only rule regarding ingredients is there must be pumpkin; otherwise, the sky's the limit. The winner of the contest will be called at the end of the day, and the first prize winner will receive $100, while second place will collect $50.

“Here’s an inside tip – a lot of people win with the recipe that’s on the side of the pumpkin can,” said Dubyak, though several unique recipes have won throughout the years as well.

Along with pie contest entries, the chiropractic center is also accepting donations to help out with USF’s Thanksgiving meals, such as mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, cut green beans, rolls and other desserts in case there are not enough pies to hand out.

For those unable to make a donation or enter a pie into the contest, Dubyak encourages them to still try and make a difference this holiday season.

“Do whatever you can think of that might make other people's holidays better,” said Dubyak. “It doesn’t have to be a pie contest – it could be buying a coat for someone or a hot chocolate for a kid.”