Could You Be Winchester’s Next Apple Pie-Eating Champion?
The Rotary Club of Winchester is searching for eight enthusiastic adult contestants and spirited Junior Division contestants to compete in the Annual White House Foods Apple Pie Eating Contest at the 2026 Shenandoah Valley Apple Harvest Festival.
This longtime Winchester-area tradition is an all-out, no-hands race for apple-pie glory. Contestants take the stage in front of the festival crowd, bring their own cheering sections, and compete for the title of Apple Pie Eating Champion.
The contest is hosted by longtime emcee Barry Lee, who has helped make the event a festival favorite for more than a decade.
Two Divisions
Adult Division: Ages 18 and older. Eight contestants and up to two alternates may be selected.
Junior Division: Ages 11 through 17. A separate Junior application and parent/legal guardian waiver are required.
Submitting an application does not guarantee selection. All selected contestants must sign the required participation waiver before competing; a parent or legal guardian must sign for every Junior contestant.
Adult Champion Prize
$100 cash prize
Gift basket valued at approximately $200
The title of 2026 Apple Pie Eating Champion
Who We Are Looking For
Energy and personality
Competitive spirit
A strong cheering section
A connection to Winchester, Frederick County, or the Shenandoah Valley
Plenty of enthusiasm for apple pie
Reliability and availability
How to Apply
Complete the application for the correct division and choose one Contestant Spotlight option:
Option A – Video Spotlight
Submit a 30-60 second phone video introducing yourself, explaining why you should be selected, showing your best apple-pie-eating game face, rally cry, or contestant personality, and completing: “When Barry Lee says go, I’m going to…”
Option B – Written Spotlight
In 100 words or less, tell us why you should be selected, what kind of energy you will bring, who will be cheering you on, and complete: “When Barry Lee says go, I’m going to…”
A simple phone video is perfect, but video is not required. Creativity and festival spirit are encouraged.
Contestant Selection
Enthusiasm and personality
Ability to engage the audience
Festival and community spirit
Reliability and availability
Creativity
Strength of the applicant’s cheering section
Completion of the application and either the video or written spotlight
Selected contestants will receive an email and must confirm participation by the stated deadline.
