Say it Ain't Says

Kick off the holiday season with a slice of fun at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center’s annual “Say It Ain’t Say’s” Sweet Potato Pie Contest! Join us for a day filled with mouthwatering pie tasting, live music, and community cheer as we honor the generous spirit of Robert “Say” McIntosh. Sample incredible pies crafted by talented bakers, celebrate the legacy behind this beloved tradition, and enjoy the festive holiday atmosphere.

This year, all participants are required to bring a new, unopened toy to support the Robert “Say” McIntosh STOP the Violence Toy Drive—helping spread joy to children in our community.

2025 Rules & Eligibility

Open to all bakers.
No separate entry categories: everyone competes together.
No entry fee, but toy donation is required.

Judging

Categories & Descriptions

Taste - Flavor is key: balanced sweetness with rich sweet potato flavor.
Texture - Smooth, creamy filling with the right consistency.
Appearance - A visually appealing pie that's as beautiful as it is tasty.
Overall - The complete package: taste, presentation, and enjoyment combined.

Awards

1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
People's Choice Award - Voted on by event attendees

Prizes will be awarded for the top two pies

1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
An additional “People’s Choice” award will be given based on public voting.

People’s Choice Award

All attendees can sample pies and vote for their favorite. The pie with the most votes wins the People’s Choice Award.

Entry Form

First Name

Last Name

Address

City

State

Zip code

Phone

Email

Name or title of pie

Please read the contest rules and acknowledge below:

Contest Rules

Pies must include both a crust and a filling. The filling must prominently feature sweet potatoes as the main ingredient. (Creativity is encouraged!)
Only one entry per household is allowed.
Each pie must be entered under the name of the person who made it.
All pies must be made from scratch; store-bought pies or crusts will not be accepted.
We recommend using an 8" or 9" non-returnable pie dish, as pie plates will not be returned.
Pies that require refrigeration will not be accepted, as refrigeration is unavailable.
For judging, contestants must provide two identical pies. An additional three pies are required for community sampling.
All entries and contestants must arrive at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center by 12:30 PM on Sunday, November 9th. No entries will be accepted after 12:30 PM.
Pre-registration is mandatory. All entry forms must be submitted to the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center by 5 PM on Friday, October 10th.

No entries will be accepted on the day of the contest.

Select a choice

I have read and understand the contest rules

Select a choice

By submitting this form, I grant my permission to use photographs and/or video related to this event in print or online materials designed for news, informational, promotional or educational purposes related to the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center or the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.