Another record breaking year for Rich Hill pie prices

"Boy, that will probably never happen again!" said Randy Bell and Larry Hacker following a top bid of $400 for a pie in 2007 during the Rich Hill 4th of July annual fundraiser.

But it did happen again. In 2011, then 17 year old Jara Mumma watched in disbelief when bids on her strawberry-rhubarb pie inched closer and closer $1,000 but it didn't stop there. 

$1,100...$1,200...$1,300. Comments from the crowd included "Are we bidding on a pie or a cow?"

It was a pie indeed and her grandfather Jerry Mumma was behind it all, along with wife/accomplice Linda, who held the checkbook in anticipation. It turned out that Jerry had purchased the same pie earlier for $700, re-donated it, and began bidding on it again. This time it cost him $2,600 making the grand total paid out at $3,300.

Oh, and it was the first time Jara had ever made that type of pie.

Some might have thought this case of (albeit loving) nepotism would have been an isolated incident, it was not. In fact, the amounts forked over for pies in Rich Hill have gone up every year- even bringing national attention to Rich Hill for what must be the very best pies on earth. 

Yes, they are delicious but it appears the Mumma's set the precedence for auctions to follow which has not only drawn plenty of enthusiasm, but greatly adds to the coffers when it comes to financing future 4th of July celebrations in the town that coal built.

But there's more. On Thursday evening, auctioneer Larry Hacker took the stage calling out numbers as Randy Bell and Greg Weaver helped confirm bids for the pies destined to find new homes which in the end, revealed some staggering totals.

"After conducting the Rich Hill pie auction for over 20 years" later said Hacker "I had the privilege to auction about 53 pies tonight that added up to the largest dollar total to date, $40,025!"

This year, one pie in particular brought $4,000- which also broke previous records.

"Over the years we have had some unbelievable supporters, year after year, after year. They are being joined by new supporters each year, and this year’s success is proof of a small community banding together rather than being divided, and what that unity can do!"

Closing a proud moment, Hacker added "Thank you to all who bake, bid, and buy pies, and help keep Rich Hill Famous for the 4th!"

Can it get any better? The answer is quite likely yes, thanks to you, who keep hometown pride alive and well.