On Monday, March 2, City of Rockland Mayor Adam Lachman presented a proclamation to the AIO Food & Energy Assistance naming the weekend of March 13 through 15, 2026 Rockland Pi(e) Weekend, in honor of the upcoming 2026 Pies on Parade festival. The presentation took place at the Limerock Inn in Rockland, which re-established Pies on Parade in 2025 in partnership with AIO and Camden’s Blue Harbor Inn.

Pies on Parade is a community-wide event that provides an opportunity for people to sample sweet and savory pies over the course of a weekend, while providing critical support for AIO Food and Energy Assistance, which serves all of Knox County. According to a news release, the event had a successful 16-year run before the Covid pandemic ended the tradition in 2020, and it was then re-established in 2025.

“Pies on Parade is one of those rare events where AIO ends up giving even more to the community than it receives,” said AIO Executive Director Alan Kearl, in the news release. “In the middle of a shoulder‑season weekend—often cold, gray, and quiet—more than 350 people pour into Rockland to visit 25 different businesses, make new connections, enjoy great pie, and bring a sense of warmth and energy to the city. It’s a joyful, low‑stress, good‑vibe kind of day where neighbors and visitors alike get to come out of winter hibernation and simply enjoy being together”

“Rockland Pi(e) Weekend and Pies on Parade is a celebration of what makes our community so special - neighbors coming together with generosity, creativity, and heart to address food insecurity right here at home,” said Rockland Mayor Adam Lachman. “A true testament of what we can do to strengthen community when we work together towards a common purpose. As we share a slice, we’re also strengthening the vital work that AIO does every day and helping ensure every family in Rockland and Knox County has access to the nourishment and support they deserve”.

Kearl added: “After a five‑year COVID‑era hiatus, it became clear very quickly just how important this event is. When I stepped into my role as Executive Director, community members repeatedly asked whether Pies on Parade would return, and I realized how deeply it connects people to AIO—even those who might not otherwise know much about our work. Bringing back this long‑standing tradition not only celebrates 18 years of community spirit but also strengthens AIO’s presence as a recognizable and meaningful part of everyday life in the Midcoast.”

The full text of the proclamation is as follows:

CITY OF ROCKLAND, MAINE

PROCLAMATION

ROCKLAND PI(E) WEEKEND

MARCH 13–15, 2026

WHEREAS, access to nourishing food is essential to the physical and emotional health of all people, and plays a sustaining role in keeping our families, friends, and neighbors healthy and resilient; and

WHEREAS, AIO Food & Energy Assistance has for over 35 years served as a cornerstone of support for residents of Rockland and Knox County by addressing food and energy insecurity, and serving basic needs through its Food Market, Weekend Meals, Home Delivery, Community Self-Service Stations, and Energy and Diaper Assistance Programs; and

WHEREAS, the edge of affordability has shifted dramatically in recent years, increasing the number of households experiencing food and energy insecurity and underscoring the importance of strong, community-based responses; and

WHEREAS, AIO’s work reflects the principle of community helping community, offering a critical “port in the storm” for individuals and families facing hardship; and

WHEREAS, Pies on Parade is a long-standing and much-loved community event that brings together dozens of local businesses and inns, volunteers, and residents to celebrate creative varieties of pie - sweet, savory, and unique - while raising critical funds to support AIO Food & Energy Assistance; and

WHEREAS, during the Pi Day weekend of March 13–15, 2026, hundreds of residents and visitors will visit more than 50 participating Pie Stops across the Midcoast, including in Rockland on Sunday, March 15, showcasing the vitality of our local businesses and the generosity and spirit of our community; and

WHEREAS, Pi Day, celebrated annually on March 14 (3.14), offers an opportunity to celebrate learning, creativity, and joy - made all the more meaningful when paired with an effort to give back to neighbors in need; andWHEREAS, all proceeds from Pies on Parade directly support AIO Food & Energy Assistance and its mission to ensure access to nourishing food and essential services for residents of Rockland and throughout Knox County;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Adam Lachman, Mayor of the City of Rockland, do hereby proclaim March 13–15, 2026 as ROCKLAND PI(E) WEEKEND in the City of Rockland, and extend sincere thanks to AIO Food & Energy Assistance, participating businesses, volunteers, and community members for bringing people together around a common cause to address food insecurity and strengthening the health and well-being of our community.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Rockland to be affixed this 2nd of March, 2026.

Adam Lachman
Mayor, City of Rockland

More information about Pies on Parade as well as ticket information may be found on the AIO Food and Energy Assistance website at aiofoodpantry.org/piesonparade