The seventh annual Pie Festival is happening in the Claremont Village on Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The family-friendly and free event will feature special guest Lisa Ludwinski of Sister Pie in Detroit. She will be doing demonstrations at the demo stage in the Laemmle Plaza as well as book signing her book, Sister Pie, the Recipes & Stories of a Big Hearted Bakery in Detroit. The demo stage will host other bakers and makers.

There will be artisan vendors, pie, musical entertainment, a Classic Car show. A pie-eating contest will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the city hall patio, where you register between 10 and 11:15 a.m. There are three age groups—7-10 years, 11-14 years, and 15 and older. All contestants under 18 years old must have a parent to sign the consent form. A prize is awarded for the winner in each category.

And local bakers are urged to enter the pie baking contest! Registration forms are available online at claremontpiefestival.com. All amateur bakers are encouraged to enter. Pies are judged and all entered pies will be enjoyed in the pie buffet at the end of the day after the winners are announced at 3:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in the Laemmle Plaza near the demonstration stage.

The classic car show has been a growing favorite of the pie festival and is expanding to Harvard Avenue, between Bonita and First Street. Cars are awarded trophies in various categories including “The American Pie” prize. Car show winners will be announced at 3 p.m. in front of city hall on Harvard Avenue. 

A new addition to the festival this year is a Retro Fashion Show, which will be held at Shelton Park from 2 to 2:30 p.m. for guys and gals ages 18 and up. See fashions from 1920 to the 1970’s. To enter, apply by email to mitziandco@gmail.com.

The Claremont Pie Festival has something for the whole family. Visit claremontpiefestival.com for information. The festival is produced by the Claremont Village Marketing Group.