1410 Harpswell Neck Rd, West Harpswell, next to Pammy’s Ice Cream Parlor and Harpswell Neck Fire and Rescue.

Harpswell Aging at Home and the Harpswell 250th Committee are bringing back an old-fashioned baked bean and fruit pie bake-off as part of HAH's Lunch with Friends Program.

HHS president Chuck Alexander and Stephanie Danahy, Kitchen Coordinator at Now Your Are Cooking, are among the judges for the pots of baked beans and the various fruit pies made by some of your neighbors. At noon, the winners will be announced. Then, attendees will enjoy a buffet of baked beans and pie, as well as traditional favorites such as ham, barbecued chicken, hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw and more.  This free meal is open to the entire community. Attendees should bring their own chairs for seating.

Beans were one of the first foods grown by English settlers in Harpswell and sold at trading posts set up on the Neck. They were a staple that got Harpswell people through hard times at the end of long winters.

Harpswell’s enthusiasm for pie has been documented since the 18th century. It was first made with native blueberries and wild strawberries, and later with apples and other cultivated fruit. Pie made with local fruit continues to be one of the most popular Maine desserts.

Thank you to the Harpswell 250th Committee and members of both Harpswell Aging at Home’s Food Team and its Cooking at 43° North program for putting together this special event to commemorate the country’s 250th birthday.