GOFFSTOWN - Slice after slice of pie adorned tables at Villa Augustina's Rosary Hall at the fifth annual Once Upon a Pie event, to benefit the Friends of the Goffstown Library.

From traditional pumpkin and apple varieties to savory pies such as chicken and Italian quiche, patrons could buy a slice and a cup of coffee for $2, and the top-judged pies were auctioned off to the highest bidders.

For the first time, a man's entry won the "best in show" category.

Bill Johnson of Manchester, who took top honors for his caramel crème pumpkin pie, has only missed the competition once and said this year, he was in it to win it.

"This time I was determined," he said. "I wanted to show them a biker could bake pies, too."

A total of 38 entries were received in categories of professional, adult and child.

Goffstown Police Lt. Pierre Pouliot, emceed the event and announced the winning pies.

Ariana Rose took first place in the Kids Division for her oreo pie.

In the Adult Division, winners were Caitlin Wilson, Cinnamon Roll Dutch Apple Pie; Jessica Sheehan, Cinnabon Pie; Lauren Gross, Mint Oreo Pie; Tammy Gross, Biscoff Cookie Pie; Erica Carreau, Peach Pie; Sandy Whipple, Spinach Feta Quiche and Christina Whilhelmi, Blueberry Cheese Pie.

Melissa Merrifield, president of the Friends of the Goffstown Library, said the event raises about half of their funds for the year, supporting the Library's Museum Pass Program.

Merrifield was pleased that Johnson won the top prize.

"It's nice to see a male win," she said. "It's not just grandmothers who bake."

kremillard@newstote.com