Over 7,500 celebrate the Maine whoopie pie  

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — Saturday, June 28 was the fifth anniversary of the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival, and organizers estimate that over 7,500 people came to Dover-Foxcroft to celebrate.
    “We were thrilled by the record-breaking turnout,” said festival organizer Patrick Myers, “Even if it caught us a bit off guard. We know folks had to wait in line awhile to get at the whoopie pies, and we appreciate their patience.” Myers said that festival goers filled downtown Dover-Foxcroft from one end to the other from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom

    COME AND GET YOUR WHOOPIE PIES — The line at the gates at the opening of this year’s Maine Whoopie Pie Festival stretched from the Whoopie Pie Zone in the municipal parking lot down to the fire station. A record-breaking crowd of over 7,500 passed through the gates at the sixth edition of the festival.

    Attendees at the festival had a lot to enjoy besides whoopie pies. The Piscataquis Regional YMCA put on its annual Earn Your Whoopie Pie 3K and kids 1K fun run in the morning. The Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce organized a fantastic vendor and crafter area along with local downtown businesses. Varney Agency hosted the Kids Zone with rides and games for kids of all ages, Garelick Farms gave out free milk, and Whoopy Kat played live music all day long.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom

THE BIG WHOOP — Debbie Warren of Sebec, being crowned by festival organizer Patrick Myers, served as the Big Whoop for the 2014 Maine Whoopie Pie Festival. Warren’s royal duties included being an official festival judge and announcing the People’s Choice Award winner.

    The festival also crowned the first Big Whoop, Debbie Warren of Sebec. Warren won a contest sponsored by Will’s Shop ‘n Save and Freedom House Bed and Breakfast, receiving a fabulous prize package and the chance to be the Big Whoop for the day.
    The fun wasn’t just limited to the festival as many businesses got in on the action. Will’s Shop ‘n Save, the official grocer of the festival, not only raffled off a 50-pound whoopie pie but also had 200 containers of Hood whoopie pie ice cream that they gave away over the course of the day.

 Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom

    FIRST TASTE OF THE WHOOPIE PIE FESTIVAL — Maine Whoopie Festival organizer Patrick Myers greets the crowd coming through the gates to open the 2014 event. A record number of 7,500-plus people attended the sixth annual festival in downtown Dover-Foxcroft.

    Winning bakers for the festival included Governor’s Restaurant in the Traditional Category, the best flavored whoopie pie went to Al’s Pizza’S blueberry with cream cheese filling, the Healthy Whoopie Prize was awarded to Elaine’s Basket Café in Milo for the yogi healthy oat nut, Sweets Market was voted the Best New Baker by the festival judges, the R.M. Flagg Food Service Equipment Maine Made Whoopie Prize went to the Whoopie Pie Café for the Maine blueberry cheesecake and the Most Creative Whoopie Pie Name went to Levant Corner Store for the “Nuttin Better” whoopie pie. The prestigious People’s Choice Award, voted on by those attending the festival, was won by Levant Corner Store, with Al’s Pizza coming in second, and Governor’s Restaurant third. Complete results are available at www.MaineWhoopiePieFestival.com.
    Myers also wanted to thank everyone who made the festival possible. “It’s truly amazing how many businesses and organizations it takes to put on a party like this in a small town. We appreciate all their efforts and are already looking forward to next year.” 

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom

    MAGICIAN’S ASSISTANT — Magician Conjuring Carroll Chapman gets a hand from Evalyn Fisk with two of his pet ropes and a moving knot during a performance in the Varney Agency Kids Whoopie Pie Zone on the morning of June 28.

    The date for the 2015 festival will by June 27.  The Maine Whoopie Pie Festival is a fundraiser for the Center Theatre for the Performing Arts, supporting the theatre’s work to bring arts, culture and entertainment to the community.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom

    ROCK THE WHOOPIE PIES WITH WHOOPY KAT — The appropriately-named Whoopy Kat performs the Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction” as part of a set list of classic rock hits during the 2014 Maine Whoopie Pie Festival. The band is comprised of, from left, bassist Brian Spencer, drummer Daniel Miller, singer Sara Spencer and Chris Jovanelli on guitar.