Celebrity judges John Michael Lerma and Anne Gillespie Lewis spent several hours on Friday Aug. 1, tasting and judging a wide variety of pies at the annual amateur pie-baking contest at Braham Pie Day. The grand championship went to Beverly Johnson of Crookston for her Carmel Apple Pecan pie.

Winners for 2008 are:

Grand Champion, best overall pie was Beverly Johnson

The Pie Master’s Choice award went to Kate Thelin of Stanchfield

The Fresh Fruit or Cream category winner was Judy Olson of Braham

First place in the Single Crust Baked division was Judy Olson

Double Crust Baked category was Heidi Gerdin Seals - Stanchfield

Children’s winner was Kayla Nickles of Braham

Lifetime Achievement award went to Lola Nebel of Cambridge

Next year’s festival is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7.

After judging, pies were auctioned off to the highest bidder with proceeds going to Pie Days & B.A.C.K. (Braham Area Committee for Kids), which works toward implementing outdoor recreation areas. A special thank you to Smith Auction for their excellent job.

For more information call (320) 396-3173 or visit www.pieday.com.