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.

There was no shadow of a doubt concerning which pie would take the grand championship. It went to Beverly Johnson of Crookston, Minn. 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 of 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.

“It has become a tradition to offer this judging experience to people deeply committed to food and especially pie,” said Marie Meyer and Marion Larson, baking contest coordinators.

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 towards implementing outdoor recreation areas.

“A special thank you to Smith Auction for their excellent job,” say organizers.

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