Each November local bakers of all ages and every skill level are asked to prepare the best pumpkin pie in their repertoire and compete for cash prizes. This annual pie contest not only gives amateur bakers a chance to shine, it also helps feed hundreds of hungry people in the Turlock area.

Local chiropractor Dave Dubyak holds the pumpkin pie contest every year, with the caveat that all participants submit two pies — one for tasting and judging and one that is given to the United Samaritan Foundation’s Daily Bread program and served as dessert on Thanksgiving Day.

Along with individual bakers, many school groups have participated in the annual pie contest over the years.

“It is awesome that the community participated in the pie contest, especially children from the schools who got into the spirit and learned how to help others,” said Maris Sturtevant, director of the United Samaritans Foundation after last year’s contest.

 Last year, Dave Hillenga and his 5-year-old grandson Braydon Johnson won first place in the pumpkin pie contest. The duo was very happy with their win, after placing second in the 2009 contest.

“We were lucky that we could make a pie and people will be lucky to eat a pie,” Hillenga said about why he and Braydon entered the contest.

All are welcome to enter the contest. Pie drop-off is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 21 at Dubyak Family Chiropractic, 3008 Geer Rd., Turlock. Five local dignitaries will judge the entries that night. The winners will be notified by phone immediately after judging. First place prize is $100, second place is $50 and every entrant will feed 20 hungry people homemade pie on Thanksgiving.

For more information, call 668-1944.

To contact Kristina Hacker, e-mail khacker@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2004.