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In the heart of Catron County, Pie Town is once again preparing to celebrate its namesake with the beloved Pie Festival. Scheduled for Saturday, September 13, the event promises a full day of contests, entertainment, and community spirit, all centered around you guessed it, Pie.
Penny Carroll, the main organizer for Pie Festival this year, is excited for a big turnout.
“It’s growing every year. We used to have a few thousand people before COVID, when we did not have the festival for two years, but it is ramping back up again. This is the 43rd Pie Festival,” she said.
The festival kicks off the evening of Friday, September 12, with a spaghetti dinner and dance, the funds of which will go towards the fundraiser for the new Pie Town playground. This event will feature music by Eddie Jacques.
Saturday is when the town truly comes alive. From the early-morning PiK Run to the crowning of the Pie Festival Queen or King, the day unfolds with a rhythm unique to a town with deeply rooted traditions and a close-knit community.
Visitors can expect a packed schedule: pie baking and eating contests, kids’ games, live music, raffles, and even a horned toad race on the basketball court. Local entertainers like Rita Bliss, Eddie Jacques, and Tyler Lam will take the pavilion stage throughout the day, adding to the ambiance of the festival. The “Imagine A Horse” show returns for two performances.
Carroll also shared that a new contest will be taking place this year, “This year we are having a photo contest, where people will be able to submit some photos and will be chosen and win a cash prize, all the information for that will be at the festival,” she said.
As always, the festival serves as more than just an annual celebration; it’s a fundraiser that helps the town and a gathering point for residents and visitors alike. The silent auction of award-winning pies, the souvenir stand, and the community dance in the pavilion all contribute to the town’s efforts to preserve its unique charm and support local initiatives.
With its roots tracing back to the 1920s, when Clyde Norman’s dried apple pies gave the town its name, Pie Town has long been a symbol of resilience, hospitality, and flavor. The annual festival is a chance to honor that legacy and celebrate Pie Town and its residents.
For more information, to become a vendor, or to register for the PiK or raffles, visit the official Pie Fest website: https://pietownrisingstars.org/PieFestival
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Friday September 12
5 p.m. Spaghetti Dinner
6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Dance with Music by Eddie Jacques
Saturday September 13
7 a.m. PiK Run registration opens
8 a.m. PiK Run begins
9 a.m. Souvenir stand open, registration for pie pie-eating contest and kids’ games will be at this stand.
Registration for the pie baking contest opens at the Pie Baking Contest Tent. New rules for the Pie Baking contest are available on their website. Entry will be $5, and there is a limit of two pies per person that can be entered.
9:30 a.m. Horseshoe tournament registration opens at the pits.
10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Rita Bliss live music at the pavilion
10:15 a.m. Kids’ games registration ends
10:30 Pie baking contest entries close
10:30 - 10:45 a.m. Pie baking contest entries can be viewed at the Pie Baking Contest Tent
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Kids’ games
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Eddie Jacques live at the pavilion
12:30 p.m. Kids’ games and PiK Run winners announcements
12:45 p.m. Crowning of Pie Festival King and Queen in the pavilion
1 p.m. Imagine A Horse show
1:45 p.m. Bring baking contest pies to the Pavilion for the winner announcement and silent auction.
2 p.m. Raffle draw at Pavilion (MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN)
2:30 p.m. Horned toad race on basketball court - no fee, bring your own toad
2:45 p.m. Silent auction for pies closes
3 p.m. Souvenir stand closes, second showing of Imagine A Horse show
3:15 p.m. Pie-eating contestants meet at the basketball court
3:30 p.m. Pie-eating contest
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tyler Lam live music at the pavilion
7 p.m. - 11 p.m. Dance at pavilion, “Wlld Whiskey”, cover charge collected at the event (10 & under free, 11 to 16 $5, 17 & above $10, couples $15)
