ARKANSAS—The annual Arkansas summer picnic started off strong on June 25 before ending with a storm, but the approximately 60 Philadelphia Church of God members who attended still managed to have a pie contest, ladder ball tournament and water balloon toss before it was all over.

After lunch, judges gathered at the pie table to review the entries, scoring presentation, crust, filling and taste. After the results were in, members from both the central and northwest Arkansas congregations picked their slice. Winners were announced by Local Church Elder Darren Verbout just before a group photo was taken.

“Is this rigged? Two winners are related,” said Mr. Verbout before announcing the third and second place winners, sisters Kristen Robinson and Trisha Ladenburg.

The first-place winner was a central Arkansas teen, Elle. Members then gathered in the shade to play a game of ladder ball, culminating in a championship match between another set of relatives: Hank Chadwick and nephew, Maverick. Maverick prevailed in the end. Thunder in the distance signaled the end of the picnic for most of those who came, and the rain held off long enough for everyone to pack up and head home.