Crazy stat of the day…ready? This will be the 69th year of the Lord’s Acre. That’s 69 years of pie, folks! I know, there’s a little running race (in it’s 12th year) that takes place out there too, and for those who have done it (3 times for this guy), the course is simple, mostly flat and fairly fast, but anybody who is somebody doesn’t go just for the run…we go for the pie!
Preparation for this massive event starts in the spring, as Powell Butte Christian Church leaders pull volunteers together to prepare the Country Store, bake the 100’s of pies necessary for this event, manage the logistics of the 100’s of visitors that come out each year and then pull it all off with amazing efficiency. The Country Store includes crafts, baked goods, aprons, novelties, fresh-frozen meats and the famous whole hog breakfast sausage! There are music acts, a BBQ dinner featuring beef, lamb, ham, baked potatoes, baked beans, homemade BBQ sauce, fresh baked bread, locally grown veggies and an afternoon auction of quilts, afghans and large crafts.
Lord’s Acre began as a way to finance the building of the original brick structure (the historic chapel). The church congregation was encouraged to donate the harvest from one acre of farm ground. From the very beginning, at least 10 percent of the proceeds were allocated to missions work.
This year’s race is still as affordable as ever, only $15 (if registered by October 27th), or you can register on race day for $20. Race shirts are an additional $20 and if you want one, you’re best to register now.
Registration and packet pick up starts at 7:30am at Powell Butte Christian Church. The race starts at 9am. Registration forms are available here, or at Powell Butte Church, Powell Butte Country Store, Norm’s Extreme Fitness in Prineville, Prineville Athletic Club, Redmond Athletic Club, Trinity Bikes in Redmond, Foot Zone in Bend or Fleet Feet in Bend.