Mid-Coast Maine's Rockland is renowned for its distinctive rocky Penobscot Bay shoreline, succulent lobster boils, and majestic Windjammer excursions during summer. But during winter, things get pretty quiet except during Rockland's Annual Pies on Parade.

Held each year on the second to the last day of January in conjunction with National Pie Day, this year’s 9th Annual Pies on Parade Pie Tour promises to be bigger than ever. Join the whole town as they get pie faced Sunday January 27, 2012 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. when hungry pie eaters converge on sampling more than 45 different pies at restaurants and inns throughout town.

Forget your notions of staid apple and pumpkin pies…this pie tour offers up everything from Shepherd’s Pie and a number of gourmet Pizza Pies to sweet and savory Italian Galettes, seafood pies, Whoopie Pies and the signature Key LimeRock Pie at the LimeRock Inn.  And for those minding their caloric intake, several healthy pies are a part of the lineup as well.  Crust made with Fiore olive oil will encase a “Not Too Sweet” Sweet Potato Pie (chosen for the antioxidant & gluten free qualities).

Best of all, participating in this eating frenzy directly benefits the Area Interfaith Outreach Food Pantry.  Over the past 8 years, more than $50,000 has been donated from this event to help feed Midcoast families in need.  This year’s goal is to bring that total up to $60,000.  Help make it happen!

If you plan on staying the entire weekend, you better act fast because rooms book up far in advance. Some Historic Inns of Rockland have created 2 night Pie Tour packages.