AIO will host an informational session about the 2027 Pies on Parade event. The session will be held on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 12-1:30 p.m., at AIO, located at 1A Gordon Drive in Rockland. A light lunch will be served. 

Anyone interested in learning how they can help, is invited to attend this informational meeting. AIO is looking for pie stops (Thomaston, Rockland, Camden and Rockport), pie bakers, sponsors and volunteers.

"Last year we had more than 55 pie stops and bakers, more than 50 volunteers, half a dozen business sponsors, and 700 participants, making this an event requiring a lot of planning to make it flow seamlessly and be successful," said AIO, in a news release.

All proceeds from event ticket sales and sponsorships support AIO’s six programs. 

Please RSVP to Alan Kearl by November 2 at alan@aiofoodpantry.org or by calling the office, 207-596-1043. If you are not able to attend but are interested in learning about how you can help, please contact Alan to learn more. 

AIO provides the following descriptions of the event, and the organization:

About Pies on Parade:
Pies on Parade is a community-wide event that provides an opportunity for people to sample delicious sweet and savory pies over the course of a weekend, while providing critical support for AIO Food & Energy Assistance which serves all of Knox County. The event had a successful 16-year run before the Covid pandemic stopped this Midcoast tradition. AIO Food & Energy Assistance re-established this weekend-long event in 2025 in partnership with Rockland’s LimeRock Inn and Camden’s Blue Harbor House Inn, in honor of AIO’s 35th Anniversary this year. In 2027 we are celebrating Pies on Parade’s 19th year!

Held on the weekend closest to “Pi Day”, March 14, this event is a fun and frivolous, self-indulgence that brings the community as well as many from throughout New England, all yearning to get out of the house after a long winter and enjoy themselves. It’s great for families, couples, friends, and neighbors! Won’t you participate in this fun event and help those in the community in need?

About AIO Food & Energy Assistance

Now in our 36th year, AIO Food and Energy Assistance provides nutritious food and heating assistance to Knox County families without judgement, always with compassion. Funding and access to AIO’s programs are more critical than ever as food insecurity in Knox County is projected to continue to increase. Knox County currently has the 4th highest food insecurity rate in the state. During the past year, AIO has supported over 2,400 unique households, which is more than 13.5% of Knox County. AIO has distributed more than 100,000 meals and snacks to students through our weekend meals program. During the first nine months of the year, AIO’s Energy Assistance Program has made more than 1,500 payments to help  households with heating assistance or electrical disconnection prevention. AIO provides a direct path for donors to assist our community by putting your donation to work immediately.