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.

The contest takes place at 3 pm on Sunday, September 20 at the Frederick County Fairgrounds. Admission at the gate is $10, under 10, first responders, law enforcement, military, and veterans are admitted free. 

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.

Contestant Selection

Enthusiasm and personality

Ability to engage the audience

Festival and community spirit

Reliability and availability

Creativity

Selected contestants will receive an email and must confirm participation by the stated deadline.