“It’s about bringing back memories of family and food,” says Karen. “Being in a rural community, many of the female residents here were homemakers, and the male residents had wives at home, so homemade pies and crust are a valuable reminiscing tool.”

The pies were made by families, staff and volunteers, and the selection was huge, says Karen. Apple, lemon, chocolate, coconut cream, raspberry, blueberry, mud pie and quiche were just some of the flavours.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the lemon meringue,” says resident Anna Boersma.

All the pies – including the crusts – had to be homemade from scratch, explains Karen.

A group of about 30, including residents, families, staff and volunteers, gathered in the lounge for the big event.

Three judges rated the pies on appearance, flakiness of crust and overall taste. The judges were fire department official Scott Manlow, police Constable Glen Staley, and Doris Young, a family member of a late resident.

Three winning pies were chosen, all made by family members. In first place was Margaret Foster’s coconut cream pie, second place was Shirley Warren’s pecan pie and third was Muriel Kinley’s apple pie.

Prizes were awarded to the winners; for example, Margaret won a Christmas-themed centrepiece.

After the judging, the pies were cut up and eagerly gobbled up by the group. “It was amazing. We were stuffed by the time we were finished,” Karen says enthusiastically.

Restorative Aide Julie Clarkson came up with the idea for the contest, says Karen. “It will be an annual event, I’m sure.”