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A slice (or two) of heaven at Glenwood’s Downtown Market

Tricia Cleis
"C'mon, hurry up and finishing with the judging already!" Eager pie fans wait with increasing desperation for their slices of pie during Glenwood's Downtown Market Pie Contest.
Courtesy Clay Hawkins |

The heat was on, and spectators pressed against the ropes that separated them from delicious pie slices. There were 23 entries in the fifth annual Pie Contest at Glenwood’s Downtown Market. The fruit pie category featured 11 entries, and Linda Drake’s very juicy blueberry pie won first prize. No one was more surprised than Linda, who admitted she forgot to put in the thickener (thus the name), but the taste was sensational. Two young girls, both Hannahs (Travers and Harris), won second prize with their rhubarb pie, and Sharill Hawkins took the third place ribbon with a gorgeous tart green apple and caramel creation.

There were seven entries in the exotic and specialty division, and Aspasia Linn took first prize as well as the grand prize for her Greek spinach savory pie. Aspasia said this was a very traditional Greek pie with her own homemade filo crust that was delicate and incredibly delicious. Second prize went to Cindy Svatos with her unique chili pecan pie, and third prize was awarded to Bill Henke with his chocolate bourbon pecan pie.

Five cream pie entries rounded out the competition. Bonnie Hoffman’s coconut creation took first prize, Clay Hawkins was the second prize winner with a roasted marshmallow Mexican chocolate stout pie, and India Mount’s key lime pie was the third prize winner.



The market would not be possible without the over-the-top efforts of the men from Feed My Sheep who show up each week to do the heavy work. After board members wore out husbands, significant others, knees, hips and backs, they put the call out for help.

Keith tends to boss the operation as the guys look up to him. Keith came from a small town in Arizona. At the break-up of a relationship in 2009, Keith hit the road, ending up in Paonia, where he heard from an artist there that Glenwood Springs was a really nice place to live. He’s been here ever since.



Jeffery is originally from York, Pennsylvania. Before the economic crash of 2008, Jeffery had a carpentry business and a home in New Castle. He lost everything and wound up on the street. In spite of all the hard knocks Jeffery finds peace in Glenwood Springs where he volunteers every chance he gets with Calvary Chapel, Four Square Camp, Idrahaje (I’d Rather Have Jesus) and Glenwood’s Downtown Market. Jeffery is attending classes at CMC in information technology.

Barry is originally from Minnesota and comes to Glenwood by way of Durango where he spent 10 years. Barry has worked as a solar energy installer. He likes living with nature and is passionate about making a lesser ecological footprint on the planet. Barry has a wonderful four-legged friend, Maggie, a blue heeler, and he says, “People should be more accepting and take care of one another,” which he demonstrates in his own life. It is the kind of community he finds in Glenwood that keeps him coming back to help at the market.

Gray is from Texas and Arizona, where he lost both parents early in life and moved about in the foster care for most of his formative years, which he credits with learning to socialize and help out. Gray hopes all his deeds are good ones and he puts his trust in God to help him stay away from hard drugs for 28 years now. He has moved around a lot but finds he can maintain a peaceful existence in Glenwood, which he says is the nicest place he’s ever lived.

Travis is the quiet one. Originally from Georgia, Travis came to the area for the Jaywalker program in Carbondale and has found companionship and work here. Chad Baker comes to help break down the market because he likes to stay active but stress free, something many of us would want for ourselves.

The board couldn’t put the market together each week without the help of all these men who show up every week, rain or shine. They are greatly appreciated.

In the music booth this week Callie Angel and Wade Waters will be performing their eclectic mix of country, pop, rock, bluegrass and original music. The duo has been performing for over a decade. This week the music is sponsored by Glenwood Music and Comfort Dental.

Come to Glenwood’s Downtown Market for music, fun and great selections of local produce from 4-8 p.m. every Tuesday through the summer at Ninth and Grand Avenue in Glenwood.


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