NEHALEM — Is there anything better than an event starring pie? Hosted by Food Roots and the White Clover Grange, the seventh annual Pie Day Auction/Feast will take place at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 at the grange, located at 36585 Highway 53.

An $8 suggested donation at the door includes an exciting, action-packed pie auction and an all-you-can-eat pie feast. Yes — all-you-can-eat pie! This family-friendly event, an annual fundraiser for the two organizations, is designed to bring the community together for pie buying, pie eating and honoring pie as a slice of the American Dream.

Along with Nehalem Valley’s own Megan “Liz” Cole reciting the “Ode To Pie” — an tradition at the event — this year’s guest auctioneer Susan Tone is prepared to bring her brand of wit and fun to the auction block.

Tone explained her decision to accept the position of auctioneer this way: “Supporting local food and local structures is important work for all of us locals. So when Food Roots and the White Clover Grange decided to raise funds for their work with a pie auction, I just had to have a slice of that. I’m all about pie. I live, eat, sleep and dream pie. Pie needs a new roof over its head. Pie needs fresh ingredients grown right here. Pie needs your support. Pie is delicious! Come buy a pie for the cause.”

This year’s Pie Day focus, Nehalem Valley heritage, is sure to include some pies that fit the theme. Fifth-generation local Marie Scovel promises her family’s venison mince-meat pie as part of the auction line-up this year. Along with these heirloom-style pies, the auction will feature both sweet and savory pies made by some of the best pie bakers in the Nehalem Valley and surrounding communities. Pies for all tastes will be up for bid, including gluten-free and vegan options.

Those successful in procuring a pie from the auction can safely tuck it away to take home and partake in the final slice of fun, the pie feast. Pies of all kinds and ice cream will be on the feast table for Pie Day revelers to enjoy.

The doors open at 2 p.m. for the auction, so bring your pie -loving friends, get a good seat and prepare for an afternoon of delicious winter fun. Proceeds from this event will further the work of the two hosting nonprofits. Food Roots is a community food organization supporting local food and farm awareness, production and access on the North Coast; for more information, visit www.foodrootsnw.org. White Clover Grange will use proceeds in its “replace the roof” fund; find more information at www.whiteclovergrange.com

White Clover Grange is located on Oregon Highway 53, two miles east of U.S. Highway 101 about a mile past the Mohler grocery store and Nehalem Bay Winery. Pie Day is a Zero Waste event with assistance of CARTM in Manzanita.

For more information about the Pie Day Auction and All-You-Can-Eat Pie Feast, call 503-705-7100 or 503-812-2800.