This very young pie baker sliced through an exceedingly seasoned field of competitors to claim first prize at the State Fair of Texas' "Battle for the Blue Ribbons."
Seven-year-old Allen Gage of Mabank, Texas, took home the title after submitting his blueberry pie for judging in the fruit pie division — making him the youngest person ever to qualify for the fair’s "Best of Show" set for October.
"He had the biggest old grin on his face," Sara Smith, the third place winner from Arlington, told Fox News Digital. "When they called his name, we were all just looking around. We couldn't see him at first because he was so short. Then everyone just started hooting and hollering and clapping, and he was just smiling. It was really nice and very special."
Gage's mom, Roseanne Parsons, said when she heard the announcers call the fruit pie category — and then her son’s name — she quickly got his attention, and together they headed to the front of the room.
"When people realized it was him — not me — who won, they started clapping and cheering," said Parsons, who was not a contestant.
"Everybody was high-fiving him and giving him fist bumps. It was super cool."
Parsons said her son thinks it’s the crust that sets his pie apart from the others.
"He likes doing the lattice work on the crust and then applying the egg wash," Parsons said. "He calls it 'painting the pie.'"
Photo: Jay's photo / Moment / Getty Images