Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta is pleased to again invite all chefs, bakers, and wannabe Food Network stars to enter the fourth annual Pumpkin Dessert Contest. This yummy event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 6, at Skidompha Library in the atrium area. All types of pumpkin desserts – pies, cakes, cookies, muffins, shortbreads, puddings, crisps, clafoutis, cobblers, tarts, candies, mousse, soufflés, ice creams, tortes, trifles, crème caramels, flans, semifreddos, crepes, strudels – are eligible but they must include fresh, frozen, or canned pumpkin. Pumpkin pie spice alone does not count. 

If flour is used in the recipe, it must be King Arthur Flour.  Each contestant will receive a free dough scraper and a bag of flour from King Arthur Flour. Contestants are required to drop off two of their desserts – one for judging and one for tasting. All contestants must provide their own plates, platters, and decorations if desired, as well as serving utensils. Just drop by Nails by Gail on Center Street in Nobleboro for your free flour and scraper. In addition, each winner will receive the beautiful King Arthur Baker’s Companion cookbook

Desserts must be dropped off at Skidompha between 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m., on October 6. Contestants and the public will then be asked to leave, and the doors will be closed at noon when the judging begins. King Arthur Flour Baking Instructor and former Bremen resident, Jessica Meyers, will be this year’s special judge. Winners will be announced at 1:45 p.m. Prizes are as follows: First Place – $150 and King Arthur Baker’s Companion Cookbook; Second Place –  $100 and King Arthur Baker’s Companion Cookbook; Third Place – $50 and King Arthur Baker’s Companion Cookbook.

Tickets to taste the dessert entries will be sold for $5 for three selections, with tasting beginning after the winners are announced. The ever-popular Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest will again be held immediately following the 2:15 p.m. Pumpkinfest Parade, on Saturday, Oct. 6. Contestants are divided into two categories: ages 12 and under, and ages 13 and over. Winners will be awarded a Pumpkinfest T-shirt and bragging rights for the next year.

To register for the Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest, pick up a registration form at Nails By Gail or go to www.DamariscottaPumpkinfest.com. On the site, select the “Events” tab, then click on “Pumpkin Dessert Contest.” At the bottom of the description, click to download the registration form.