Dozens of people from Ovett and surrounding towns gathered on the grounds surrounding the Order of the Eastern Star Ovett Chapter No. 177 building for Saturday’s Ninth Annual Fall Festival.

The festival, scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. on October 3rd, featured food, fun and games. But instead of the cornbread baking contest that has been a festival staple, organizers decided to have a pie baking contest at this year’s event.

“It was my idea to have the pie baking contest,” said Marie Graham. “I decided to do it after seeing the pie baking contest Miranda Beard and Rex Thompson had on Channel 7.”

Beard is the noon day anchor at WDAM-TV, while Thompson is the noon day weather forecaster. They, along with Petal Mayor Hal Marx were judges for the pie contest. The overall winner of the contest will receive a trophy and be a guest on the News 7 Today show on WDAM.

“Our pie baking contest helped to prepare us for this,” said Beard. “I know what it’s like to compete and I also know what it’s like to be a winner.

“And I know what it’s like to lose,” joked Thompson. “I made a blueberry, cream cheese and banana pie. It was a wonderful pie, but Miranda’s Ice Box Pie just won the contest.”

Marx said he has spent a lifetime preparing for the contest. “I’ve been eating pie all my life,” he said. “I feel like I’m well prepared.”

Putting all jokes aside, the three said they are honored to have been invited to participate in the festival. Beard said it gives her and Thompson an opportunity to get outside the confines of the television station and associate with the people who watch them on television everyday.

“The citizens of Ovett gave us a special warm welcome when we arrived,” she said. “It’s just a joy to be here.”

Marx also enjoyed the opportunity to greet and meet people. “Everything is great,” he said.

Proceeds from the festival toward the upkeep of the chapter’s building located in downtown Ovett. It is the oldest Eastern Star Building in the state and the only one owned by Eastern Star ladies.