Ann Arbor Civic Theatre will host its first Pie Bake-Off and Tasting on Sunday, June 30, and is looking for contestants to compete with their very best homemade creations. As Suzi Peterson, the company's managing director, says: "If (you've) got that pie making skill, then bring it on!"

“Our Chili Cook-Offs have been so popular, we wanted to host a similar event in the summer,” says the event chair, Darrell Pierce. “Pie is a perfect summer food, and with the culinary talent in the area, we are sure to have some amazing pies to taste. We’re thrilled to be able to host the event at the Wolverine State Brewing Co. We held our fourth-annual Chili Cook-Off there, and it was a huge success. The folks at Wolverine have been wonderful to work with, and the space is ideal for the event."

So, do you make a delicious pie and want to enter the contest? Read over the guidelines here, then contact the Civic Theatre to sign up by June 21; there is no entry fee for bakers. (Space is limited, so don't wait too long.) I am thrilled to say that I'll be helping to judge the entries, and want to taste every fruit pie, chocolate pie, peanut butter pie, meringue-topped pie, or other masterpiece that you can think of!

If you don't want to bake but just want to enjoy the contestants' entries, tickets to the event are $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 5 and up; kids under 5 can attend free of charge. You'll get five pie tastings, a savory treat, and beverages — a great deal! There will also be a 50/50 raffle. Tickets for both the event and the raffle are available in advance at the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre office or at the door.

Come join me and have some fun while supporting a great local organization. What a fabulous way to spend an afternoon!

Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Pie Bake-Off and Tasting
Sunday, June 30 from 2-5 p.m.
Wolverine State Brewing Co.
2019 West Stadium Blvd.
Ann Arbor, 48103

Mary Bilyeu - a self-proclaimed Food Floozie (named for her blog, which is taking a summer vacation) - writes for AnnArbor.com on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, telling about her adventures in the kitchen. She is also on a mission to find great deals for her Frugal Floozie Friday posts, seeking fabulous food at restaurants on the limited budget of only $5 per person. Feel free to email her with questions, comments, or suggestions: yentamary@gmail.com.

The phrase "You Should Only Be Happy" (written in Hebrew on the stone pictured in this post) comes from Deuteronomy 16:15 and is a wish for all her readers - when you come to visit here, may you always be happy.