Chefs, Bakers, and Wannabe Food Network Stars Welcome!

The Pumpkin Dessert Contest is a celebration of all things sweet & all things pumpkin! 🎃

We had a fantastic showing of desserts for the 2024 contest, judged by a panel of foodies:

  • Jeff Mao, owner of mid-coast Maine bagel business Knead and Nosh, as well as a food educator. See more about his classes and bagels here: https://kneadandnosh.com/

  • Shannon Bailey, outreach coordinator at Rising Tide Co-Op in Damariscotta

  • Simone Laboa, co-owner and executive pastry chef at Solo Pane in Bath, Maine - https://solo-pane.com/

  • Diana Stoffel, dessert enthusiast and long-time Pumpkinfest supporter

2024 Winners:

1st Place : Liza Bonnell - Pumpkin Pecan Pie with Bourbon Cream

2nd Place: Katie Sanborn - Pumpkin Bombe

3rd Place: Nancy Best - Pumpkin Spiral Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing 

 

Contest Guidelines

  • Submission forms are due by 10/10/2025. Day-of entries are unfortunately not allowed due to space limitations.

  • All entry recipes must include some form of pumpkin as the main ingredient. This pumpkin can be fresh, canned or frozen; however, pumpkin spice does not suffice.

  • Please be prepared with 2 of each dessert you make, one for tasting and one for sample sales. Samples will be sold to the public after judging and all proceeds benefit the festival non-profit.

  • Desserts must be dropped off at the back entrance of Skidompha Library, located at 184 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME, between 9 AM - 10 AM on Saturday 10/11/2025.
    Please bring a printed copy of your recipe (with preparation instructions), in addition to emailing a copy of your recipe to dessert@damariscottapumpkinfest.com.

  • Bring your dessert ready to serve. We recommend using disposable display and serving utensils if possible.
    You will be provided with table space to display your entry; however, you must supply your own utensils for serving.
    Please label your non-disposable utensils to make it easier to pick them up after judging. We recommended using masking tape with initials on each non-disposable item.

  • Small servings will be provided to judges. Judges will evaluate creativity of recipe, preparation, texture, flavor, overall appearance and originality.

  • Winners will be announced between 12 PM - 12:30 PM in the Porter Room of Skidompha Library (located near the rear entry). All entries will be offered for sample sales to festival-goers.