Calling all CANINE CUTIE-PIES! Organizers of the Arkansas Pie Festival are pawsitively thrilled that so many well-behaved dogs have attended previous festivals, and it is hoped that they will return and bring friends to Cherokee Village Town Center for this year’s festival on Saturday, April 29th.
After entering through the festival admissions gate, dogs can be signed up for the Cutie-Pie Pet Parade and Pup-Pie Gobble competition at the table manned by Cherokee Village Animal Shelter volunteers. Dogs must be on a leash and registration is $5 per dog with proceeds going to support the Animal Shelter. Judges will determine winners in categories including most handsome, most beautiful, cutiest, best trick, and best in show.
Pet costumes are welcomed but not required. Arkansas Pie Festival is hosted by the Spring River Innovation Hub in Cherokee Village, a community located in north central Arkansas near the historic town of Hardy. The day's events begin at 8:30 a.m. with a scenic Pie Day 5k run/walk. Anyone wishing to walk accompanied by an adoptable dog from the Cherokee Village Animal Shelter should contact ACO Paula Musick at cvac@cherokeevillage.org or Carryn Nugent crrynnugent@gmail.com.
The festival begins at 9:00 a.m., and features professional bakers from throughout Arkansas, as well as home chefs and youth bakers. There will be live music, pie tasting and pie eating contest, pie auctions, and so much more, ending at 3:00 p.m. Festival proceeds help support the Spring River Innovation Hub’s STEAM education opportunities in this rural community, including arts and robotics summer camps, career exploration events, and small business marketing.
The Cutie-Pie Pet Parade is scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m., followed immediately by the Pup-Pie Gobble of homemade dog treats. Visiting dogs and adoptable dogs from the animal shelter will earn 'Good Dog!' award ribbons as mementos of the occasion.
VISIT arkansaspiefestival.com to purchase your festival admission ticket, to sign up to enter a pie in the baking competition and to learn more about the festival and Pie Day 5k run/walk.