Fleming Pie Auction on April 5

March 25, 2024, 2:10 pm
Ryan Kiedrowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The annual pie auction returns to the Fleming Hall, and organizers are confident this year will be another success.

“Every year is different, and it’s interesting to try to figure out which is going to be the most famous pie,” said Cindy Green, president of the Fleming Community Organization. “A few years ago, it was a pan of cinnamon buns that was our number one seller—I think it sold for $300!”

This year will see a return to the hybrid format, allowing people both online and in-person a chance to bid on those delicious desserts. The virtual component will kick off on March 31 at noon, wrapping April 4 at 1 pm on The Fleming Community Facebook page.

For those attending in-person, all the action kicks off on April 5 at 7 pm with skilled auctioneer Ty Cutler taking bids at lightning speed.

Going with a hybrid event also means one crucial detail: more pies on offer.

“Last year, we sold 98 pies,” recalled Green. “If we did all in-person, 98 pies would take a really long time and it would probably drag out and be a little too long!”

While adding the online event makes for extra planning, the end product remains fresh and tasty.

“It takes quite a bit of organizing, but that way when people are making the pies—because volunteers make the pies around the community—that way, they can just all bring them the one day,” Green explained. “And then, the next day we do the in-person auction and it’s still a good fresh pie.”

This largest fundraiser in Fleming all benefits the community with money going towards children’s activities and hall maintenance.

“In previous years we’ve been really amping up our children’s entertainment,” Green said. “Last year, we started doing the end of school dance and it went over so well. So this year, we’re going to do it again and try to make it bigger and better than previous years.”

Purchasing sports equipment is another goal for the group, providing recreation options for youth.

“We’re trying to bring in more sports equipment so that during the long winter months, the kids have something to do in the hall,” Green said.

Last year, the pie auction brought in around $4,000 for the community, and Green says more volunteers are always welcome.

“We will accept anybody that wants to donate pies,” she confirmed. “And anybody can come to the pie auction—we love seeing new faces and hope they come back!