KENNEBUNK – The contestants for the blueberry pie eating contest sat lined up in front of the Kennebunk Free Library, hair pulled back, aprons on, hats and glasses off, ready to go.

The rules were simple: contestants couldn’t use their hands and they had to clear their plate as fast as they could.

The front entranceway was transformed into a makeshift stage, and contestants were stationed at a table, competing six at a time.

There were 72 total, with both young and old positioning themselves, hands under the table, in front of a piece of blueberry pie.

When the competitors got the go ahead from the judges, they all dove in, devouring the slices with lightning speed.

Some did it for the love of pie, some did it for fun, others in the spirit of competition.

“I love contests,” said 11-year-old Angie Moreno, who got up on stage and gave it her best shot as the crowd of people gathered on the library lawn cheered her and the other five contestants on.

Grand winner Greg Dumas, of Gardner, Massachusetts shared some advice on winning, “Cram in as much as you can in one bite.” The win was especially noteworthy for Dumas, as his birthday is July 4. His son, Tanner, whose birthday is July 3, was a first-round winner.

The pie eating contest was part of the lineup of events Saturday at the annual SummerFest, which brought several family friendly activities in town, including a parade, animal exhibits, children’s activities and a craft and artisan market.

SummerFest festival committee member Jason Woloszyn said the pie eating contest is a continually popular event at the annual festival, with many returning participants.
“It’s been growing in size every year,” he said.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.

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