New West, what would an owl and blueberries have in common?

Hoo—er, who—ended up winning Pie for Pride this year?

Mike Balser’s Whoo-berry Pie was an owl-themed entry in the New West Farmers Market and New West Pride collaboration, which included blueberries, brown and white sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon (trace), butter, and salt in the filling. The pastry was made from flour, lard, shortening, egg, baking soda, and salt.

Balser received a prize that included, “New West Farmers market money, bragging rights, and eternal glory.”

All of the pies were sold off, with proceeds from the slices going to the New West Pride Society.

While Pie for Pride showcases the best pies New West residents have to offer up, the contest—which took place on Thursday, Aug. 17—also highlights all the great work both not-for-profits are doing.

The 2023 competition was judged by:

• Alejandro Diaz, El Santo

• Dana Osiowy, executive director of New West Family Place

• New Westminster-Burnaby MP Peter Julian

• Chelsea Watt, New West Farmers Market board president

• Don Ralph, New West Pride board member

• Geoff McLennan, realtor and Eat New West admin

Be sure to keep up with both the New West Farmers Market and the New West Pride Society, and all the initiatives both groups have to offer.

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