Contests at Liberty Festival will give residents an opportunity to shine

So, you think you make a pretty tasty apple pie - the crust is just right and the apples have the perfect combination of sweetness and tartness? Let someone else be the judge.

Show off your apple-pie culinary skills at Liberty Festival, the town-wide Fourth of July party at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Participating in the contest is easy. First, register for the contest by contacting Angela Copeland by July 2, 303-660-1380 or acopeland@CRgov.com. Then, simply bring one completed apple pie to Kirk Hall at the fairgrounds between 4 and 4:30 p.m. July 4. Judges will taste all entries from 4:30 to 5 p.m., with first-, second- and third-place winners announced at about 5:15 p.m. Winners will get a fabulous gift and have their recipes featured on the Town's Web site.

If cooking isn't your cup of tea, dress up in your patriotic best and enter the Mr. and Miss Liberty Costume contests. First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded in adult and child categories. No preregistration is required for this contest, but if you have a question about it, contact Karen McGrath, 303-660-1365 or kmcgrath@CRgov.com.

Liberty Festival will entertain the entire family at the perfect price: Free. Gates open at 4 p.m. and the fun activities continue up to the best fireworks show in Douglas County, scheduled to begin at about 9:30 p.m. For more information about all the nonstop entertainment at Liberty Festival, visit www.CRgov.com or www.castlerocklibertyfestival.com.

Angela Copeland is senior community relations specialist for the Town of Castle Rock.