Article Written By: Heather Briggs
Does the art of the invitation have to be any more complicated than: “Meet me at the _________, at ______ o-clock, and bring __________?” Pie at The Park would suggest not. I put out signs that said to meet at Shooks Run Park, 10/11/26 at 2pm, and bring a pie. So simple. Such a treat. Folks came from all over the neighborhood, with all manner of pies.
To everyone’s delight, a deep-dish chicken pot pie arrived, carried in oven mitts, homemade crust steaming. Several folks took their opportunity to practice pumpkin pie ahead of the holidays, and there were plenty of sweet options with chocolate as well. You might wonder how much pie can be eaten at 2 in the afternoon, but neighbors came hungry, understanding the assignment: Try as many as your heart desires, and feast on the delicious spread of pastry and new people to know.
The event happened during a Bronco game and I was delighted to see neighbors prioritizing the opportunity to meet new friends by putting their phones on airplane mode (so as not to get spoilers) and leaving the house for a spell. The park in the fall is such an inviting space for a gathering. It’s the time of year when people are begging for an excuse to walk in the leaves and enjoy the sun without getting hot. A few tables, some cutlery, and name tags is all it takes to host.
There was a baby on a blanket, and circles of camp chairs with neighbors sharing stories. Some CC students came with their pie contributions, and some of the pies were made by kid-parent teams. One attendee claimed “Great party! I made new friends.” I was reminded that Sunday that people are as hungry for connection as they are for pie. And both are equally as sweet.
