2019 Heritage Fair Pie Baking Contest

Woodstock's Jim Ratway has been a staple on Heritage Fair pie baking plaque. He was named the grand champion in 2008, 2012, 2015 and now in 2019. The good news for his rivals is that next year he will be ineligible to win (although we all hope he enters pies!) and instead will serve as a judge.

Ratway finished first in the "fruit" category with a peach pie. But it was his five-fruit symphony – featuring apples, strawberries, rhubarb, blueberries and raspberries – in the "other" category that tickled the judges' tastebuds and took top honors. Ann Pontarelli of Crystal Lake was the berry winner, submitting a tasty blackberry pie with lavendar.

Special thanks to our judges: Judy Link and Nora Wagner of Marengo, and Mary Argall of Union.