This year’s AIO-organized Pies on Parade is March 14-15, a community-wide event providing people with the opportunity to sample sweet and savory pies at more than 50 pie stops from Thomaston to Camden, and help neighbors in need.

AIO Food and Energy Assistance, a nonprofit organization which serves all of Knox County, continues this weekend-long event involving dozens of area businesses and dozens of pies (sweet, savory and other unique interpretations). All proceeds from ticket sales provide critical support for AIO Food and Energy Assistance’s six programs – Food Assistance, including: a food market, weekend meals, home delivery and community self-service stations, as well energy and diaper assistance programs.

"AIO is about community helping community,' said Alan Kearl, executive director of AIO, in a news release. "The edge of affordability has changed dramatically over the past 6-8 months and fundraisers like this do so much to help AIO offer a 'port in the storm' for those in need."

Over the “Pi Day” weekend March 14-15, hundreds of pie enthusiasts will sample pies while visiting more than 50 participating Pie Stops in Camden and Rockport on Saturday, March 14, and in Rockland and Thomaston on Sunday, March 15.

"It’s a fun and flavorful way to give back to the community while showcasing the wonderful businesses that make our Midcoast Maine community so special," said Kearl. "And, Pi Day (3.14) is an annual opportunity for math enthusiasts to recite the infinite digits of Pi, talk to their friends about math, and eat pie.

How Can You Get involved?

AIO provides the following information:

Buy Tickets and Attend
Develop your own special Spoti-pie route and taste your favorite delights. Join up with friends, take that special person or enjoy an outing with the family. Tickets are on sale now and are likely to sell out so get yours today! Parade Tickets are $25 for one day (Saturday or Sunday) or $45 for both days (Weekend). Gift certificates are available. Tickets can be purchased on AIO’s website: https://www.aiofoodpantry.org/piesonparade. Only ticket holders may participate.

Become a Pie Stop
Would your business be interested in hosting and being a Pie Stop? How else can you get approximately 400 people into your business on a sometimes glum weekend day in March? We are looking for a few more locations in the towns of Camden and Rockport (Saturday, March 14) and Thomaston and Rockland (Sunday, March 15). Each day of the event offers 25 pie stops where visitors can not only taste delicious pie, but also learn about your business. If you are interested please contact Alan Kearl at alan@aiofoodpantry.org or call 207-596-1043.

Become a Pies on Parade Business Sponsor

If your business is too far off the PoP route or you aren’t quite suited to hosting a pie event, but you still want to help out, you can become a PoP26 business supporter as a business sponsor. Various levels are available. Get your logo in front of more than 700 sets of eyes, be recognized as a business that cares about the community and helping those in need. Contact Alan Kearl at 207-596-1043, alan@aiofoodpantry.org.

Become a Volunteer
We are looking for volunteers to help with the event. Volunteer opportunities include help with ticket distribution, pies on parade ambassadors on the day of, greeting guests and distributing pie samples at Pie Stop locations, and general event support. If you’re interested, visit www.aiofoodpantry.org/piesonparade and click on the “I would like to volunteer” link.

Pie Bakers
Do you like to bake? There are pie stops who need help baking pies. If you enjoy baking and would like help please email Alan Kearl, alan@aiofoodpantry.org or call 207-596-1043 to discuss. Thank you! 

Event Schedule

• Saturday, March 14 Pie Stops in Camden and Rockport 11:30 - 3:30pm
• Sunday, March 15 Pie Stops in Rockland and Thomaston 11:30 - 3:30pm

Kickoff event: Friday, March 13, 4-6pm, Weekend Kickoff event at AIO Food & Energy Assistance, 1A Gordon Drive, Rockland, come and pick up your tickets and taste a special “Primo” pie!

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 2,100 unique households, which is more than 12% of Knox County. AIO has distributed more than 100,000 meals and snacks to students through our weekend meals program. AIO’s Energy Assistance Program helps 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.