Torrance Farmers’ Market's Annual Pie Contests

The annual Torrance Farmers’ Market's Pie Contests encompass both a pie-baking competition for amateur bakers and a separate pie-eating contest for community members. Held at the Farmers’ Market in Torrance, the event took place on Tuesday morning, September 29, 2026, officially marking the start of the fall season.

For the pie-baking contest, eleven amateur contestants submitted a variety of homemade pies, including traditional apple and more unique entries. Professional bakers, bakeries, and restaurants are not permitted to participate. A panel comprising Torrance city officials, including the mayor, police chief, and fire chief, judged each entry to determine the top three winners. In 2026, longtime Torrance resident Carol Hales won first place with her fruit pie, followed by Alex Duggal in second place with an apple pie, and Mariana Mejia taking third with an apple streusel pie.

Separately, a dozen community members were invited to participate in the pie-eating contest. Competitors had their hands tied behind their backs while attempting to eat personal-sized chocolate cream pies supplied by Torrance Bakery. The city of Torrance plans to post the recipes for the winning pies on its official website.