Cashmere Museum announces Pioneer Village Festival, annual pie contest

CASHMERE — The Cashmere Museum and Pioneer Village will host its annual Pioneer Village Festival Oct. 3, with a pie contest, live music, vendors, demonstrations and other activities planned throughout the day.

The festival is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cashmere Museum and Pioneer Village. Organizers are also making several changes to this year’s event, including admission by donation and the addition of a cider garden, or “Watering Hole,” behind the Saloon.

The annual Apple/Pear Pie Contest will take place the day before the festival, Oct. 2. Bakers can submit an apple or pear pie at the Cashmere Museum lobby between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The contest will include adult and youth categories. The youth category is open to those 17 and younger, while the adult category is for participants 18 and older.

Judges will evaluate pies based on appearance, crust, filling and overall flavor. A winner will be selected in each category and receive a cash prize. Runners-up in each category will receive a basket of prizes.

The contest is sponsored by Apple Annie Antique Gallery. Winners and runners-up will be announced during the Pioneer Village Festival on Oct. 3.

The festival also will feature live musical performances, including appearances by SanZár Dance Company, chumlilies and Olivia Smoke, along with other performers.

Raffle tickets for the museum’s quilt raffle will be available throughout the festival. The quilt raffle winner will be announced at the end of the day.

Visitors also can explore the Pioneer Village’s historic buildings, with all cabins open for viewing. The event will include live demonstrations, vendors and food options throughout the day.

Sarsaparilla will be available in the Saloon, and the festival will have a pioneer-era theme. Organizers are encouraging visitors to dress in pioneer-era clothing.

The festival is part of the Cashmere Museum and Pioneer Village’s effort to provide visitors with an opportunity to experience local history through the village’s buildings, demonstrations and activities.

Questions about the pie contest can be directed to val@cashmeremuseum.org or jan@cashmeremuseum.org. General festival questions can be sent to info@cashmeremuseum.org.