Amateur bakers across Missouri are dusting off their favorite family recipes for the First Lady's Pie Contest, Aug. 19, hosted by Missouri's First Lady Georganne Nixon. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this new competition at this year's Missouri State Fair. Deadline to enter is Thurs., Aug. 12.

"There is no better or easier way to be a part of an American tradition than baking a pie. Whether its cherry, apple, rhubarb, custard or blackberry, the First Lady's Pie Contest is just the place to enter your family's favorite recipe and measure it against the competition," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "We encourage everyone to join us for the friendly competition at the State Fair."

The First Lady's Pie Contest is open to all amateur bakers and will be held Thurs., Aug. 19 at the Home Economics Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. All amateur bakers can enter by simply submitting their recipe and official Missouri State Fair entry form no later than Aug. 12. Pies in two categories, soft pies (custard/cream) and fruit pies, will be awarded cash prizes of up to $150. The Best of Show will also receive $150.

The First Lady's Pie Contest is being sponsored by AgriMissouri, a program of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, and Starline Brass of Sedalia.

For more information on the pie contest or to obtain an official entry form, visit MoStateFair.com.