Alright, perhaps not the sky. But there’s bound to be tons of sugar highs in store at 1 p.m. August 16, when The Portland Pie Commission (!) holds its second annual Portland Pie-Off at Peninsula Park, Site B (corners of N. Ainsworth, N. Albina and Rosa Parks Way). “Part contest, part community celebration of all things pie, the Portland Pie-Off is a chance to meet other pie lovers, win fun prizes with your pie-making prowess, swap recipes and eat pie!”

“Why pie?” a press release asks. “Pie is egalitarian. Pie stands for sharing. Pie is humble and Pie is versatile. Pie is community!”

Over a hundred people and 50+ pies came together last summer for the inaugural event, and this year looks to be even sweeter. The rules are simple: make a homemade pie (or several pies), bring it, friends and family, and enjoy an afternoon in the park. Chairs, a picnic blanket, utensils and beverages are also wise moves.

This year’s pie categories include Savory (e.g. meat, cheese, tomato), Stone Fruit (e.g. peach, plum), Berry, Fruit, Cream, Custard, Mash-Up (rock your own weird combo), Nut, C.P.R. (ingredients beginning with C, P and R and as judged by American Red Cross). CPR pie? Indeed-y.

Online registration is strongly encouraged and a $5 entry donation per pie is appreciated. Judging time is anticipated to run 2 hours, so plan to busy yourselves as judges Jack Bogdanski (blogger), Greg Abbot (Whiffies Fried Pie Cart), Tricia Butler of Sassafras Catering (Grand Winner of Portland Pie-Off ’08), Joe of Stone Pie Joe’s, Byron Beck (journalist), County Commissioner Jeff Cogen, Kaie Wellman (Eat.Shop.Portland), Gary Walter, Stephanie Stricklen (KGW) and Rudy Speerschneider (Junior Ambassadors) taste and make their decisions.

And if you don’t want to enter the competition, you can simply bring a pie to eat; sharing time is a happy time.

For more information, categories and pie-off contest rules, head here.

The Portland Pie-Off is the brainchild of the Portland Pie Commission; Gretchen, Karol, [Just Out Sassy Gardener/columnist] LeAnn [Locher], and Lizzy all connected through their love of Pie and Twitter. We are community driven and appreciate the support of County Commissioner Cogen, The Oregon Raspberry and Blackberry Commission, New Seasons and others in helping make this classic summer event happen.