HICKORY FLAT — Pie bakers from all over are invited to bring their favorite pies to the second Pie Day on Saturday at Cherokee Fresh Market at Cagle’s Family Farm sponsored by the Cherokee Farm Bureau.

Contestants should bring pies in by 9:30 and register at the Farm Bureau table. Judging begins at 10.

A pie-eating contest will follow beginning at 10:30.

Categories for the baking contest are ages 10 and under, 18 and under, and adults and seniors 65.

Those entering will compete for prizes and ribbons. The winning recipes will be featured later in the Cherokee Tribune.

Judges for the event are Chef Brian Jones of the Atlanta Grill at Ritz Carlton Atlanta, Chef Todd Annis of Bold American Catering and Chef Justin Balmes, known for appearances on The Next Food Network Star and Chopped.

This is first of a series of pie contests sponsored by Cherokee County Farm Bureau.

Others will take place at Woodstock Farmers Market on July 7 and Waleska Farmers Market on July 26.

The final contest for winners from throughout the summer will be on Aug. 25 at Cherokee Fresh Market.

“Activities like the pie-eating contest are a lot of fun and can involve the whole family. Kids can actually bake and enter the contest, too,’ said Farm Bureau volunteer Liz Porter.

Cherry pies are featured for the pie eating contest and being baked by volunteers, Porter said. The pies for the contest will be weighed before and after the contestant digs in, she said.

“I think one of the things I like about this farmer’s market is located on a farm, and it is a nice place, its got shade, parking and other facilities,” said Porter, who is also a vegetable vendor at the market.

“For those for the pie contest, they can bake up anything that has an ingredient available locally to be entered in the contest,” Porter said. “We are trying to promote local products through the Farm Bureau.”

Pies do not have to feature a homemade crust, but contestants get extra points if it is, she said.

This week at market there will fresh locally grown produce from within 15 miles including tomatoes, corn, beans, honey, berries, figs, fresh breads, cookies and muffins, herbs and infused oils, garlic, and fresh eggs.

New this week, Herbalist Dena Place will be at the market with goat milk soap, essential oils, herbal teas, natural bug repellent and more.

The Fresh Market is also featuring a guest vendor with Cordele Georgia Watermelons and Lane Peaches.

Coming next week to the Fresh Market will be old tractor day.

The Cherokee Fresh Market is located at 362 Stringer Road.

To find out more about the events or participating in the market, contact the Cherokee County Farm Bureau office at (770) 479-1481.