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Pie contest brightens up Thanksgiving meals
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The Dubyak Family Chiropractic center is hosting its 17th Annual Pumpkin Pie Contest to support the hungry citizens of Stanislaus County on Thanksgiving Day. The pies will be donated to the United Samaritan Foundation’s Daily Bread Program.

Contestants must enter two pies in order to participate in the contest. The first prize winner will receive $100, while second place will collect $50. Though the contest calls for pies, hungry residents of Stanislaus County will also receive meals for Thanksgiving dinner, including mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls.

Dave Dubyak, the initiator for the Pumpkin Pie Contest, and chiropractic specialist, said that he hopes to break last year's record of 206 pies, providing 1,500 slices. Last year’s entries were enough to supply slices for all those in need. But with the success of the year previous comes more hungry hopefuls aching to get a slice of homemade goodness.

Dubyak also suggested that presenting homemade pies are considered much more valuable than donating basic pastries made by companies.

“It seems to me that most people’s issue is feeling like no one cares for them. It’s got to help people to think that someone cares,” Dubyak said.

Dubyak’s small wish for community contributions relies outside his own hands, but he believes area bakers will come through for the event, especially considering the successful year before. He feels that this small involvement “encourages” those without resources during a holiday supported on giving thanks.

Dubyak also offered insight on how to present the best pumpkin pie for judging.

“Most winners used canned pumpkin. It is perfectly uniformed, and has carrots to make them more orange compared to the lighter pumpkins,” he said.

Appearance, indeed, is one of the categories critiqued in the final judgment, as well as the texture and taste of the crust, and the texture and taste of the general pie.

“It’s also best not to use whip cream as a topping,” he suggested, as the cream is partial to melting, “and looks like running milk.”

On that note, Dubyak wished this year’s entries the best of luck, with hopes that no one will go without the basic comforts that most citizens often take for granted. Fire up those ovens Nov. 19, and come prepared to win, he said. The entries, as well as other holiday dishes, are to be collected from 2 p.m. to  6 p.m. at the Dubyak Family Chiropractic Center, 3008 Geer Rd., Turlock. Five local dignitaries will judge the entries that night and the winners will be notified by phone immediately after judging.

For more information, call 668-1944.