A delicious victory for apple pie winners

Joscelyn Martinez.

Winners from left: first place Danita Belmore, second place Sarah Frost and third place Jessica DeMumbrum.

Tehachapi's 11th annual Apple Festival was home to delicious food, lively music, a diverse range of vendors and a bustling environment for all to enjoy.

Contributing to the widely anticipated event was The Loop newspaper's 5th annual apple pie baking contest. A panel of judges tested eight different homemade pies on appearance, crust and flavor. A group of festival goers, along with the contestants, huddled around the small pie display and judges' table, anticipating the final verdict.

After counting the overall scores of the pies, the top three were announced. In first place with the highest overall score was Danita Belmore. In second was Sarah Frost and third place went to Jessica DeMumbrum. Belmore won $50, Frost received $40 and DeMumbrum $30.

Joscelyn Martinez.

Pat Doody of The Loop cutting into one of the pies to serve to the judges.

"All pies were made with love and passion for baking," said Belmore, who's keeping her winning apple pie recipe a secret.

A long time Tehachapi resident, Belmore began collecting recipes in eighth grade and never stopped. Her drive for trying new recipes and creating her own contribute to her love for baking.

"This pie award is now my top achievement," she said.

She plans to compete again next year and is thankful for the opportunity to be a part of something special.

The judges consisted of Tehachapi Mayor Micheal Davies, Tehachapi Chief of Police Richard Standridge, Tehachapi Sign Company's JR Long and "Master Chef: Generations" participant Daniela Peregrina. With the diverse group of judges, they were able to narrow down the best pies in the competition.

The contest was based on the overall appearance, flavor and crust of the pie. The judges rated each category on a scale from one to five, with five being the highest possible score.

Participants, judges and viewers left the contest with new connections and possibly some baking pointers.

Frost used creative twists and techniques for her pie. To honor Tehachapi, she used an oak leaf cookie cutter to decorate the edges of the crust.

"I got second place, but even that was a shocker. I made three test pies and demanded Gordon Ramsey level feedback from my husband and coworkers. Being new to Tehachapi, I didn't think I stood a chance," Frost said.

Joscelyn Martinez.

The Apple Pie Contest judges waiting for the event to begin. Judging the 2024 contest were, from left, Chief of Police Richard Standridge, JR Long of Tehachapi Sign Company, Daniela Peregrina who recently appeared on Master Chef Generations, and Tehachapi Mayor Michael Davies.