National Pie Day Slices Its Way Across the U.S. on Jan. 23

Jan. 23, 2012 is National Pie Day (as opposed to the also remembered but more mathematical National Pi Day, which is March 14 (3/14)).

National Pie Day was created by the American Pie Council. It's another of those so-called "faux" holidays that consumers say have been created to foster ... well, buying. In this case, you might find freebies around, but the idea is that you will go into your neighborhood pie shop on National Pie Day and buy something else.

Much as with National Pi Day, which takes the date of 3/14 and turns it into a holiday based on Pi being frequently estimated to be 3.14, National Pie Day does the same time. . If you'd like to know why National Pie Day is celebrated on Jan. 23 or 1/23, it is because, according to the American Pie Council, "celebrating the wholesome goodness of pie is as easy as 1-2-3."

One such example of the freebies that are being offered are one for Shari's E-Club Members (meaning those who are signed up for email updates). Shari's has sent a coupon to those users, if they print out and bring in the coupon on National Pie Day, they'll be rewarded with a Free Slice of Pie with the purchase of any lunch or dinner entree.

You wouldn't expect Bakers Square to miss out on National Pie Day, and it won't. The restaurant will hold not a day-long, but rather a week-long celebration. On Monday, you can get a free slice of pie with any purchase (no coupon required). Customers can also get a free slice of pie on Bakers Square's Pie Rush Wednesday, which runs from 10:30 to closing every Wednesday. In addition, you can get $2 Off Any Whole Pie all week long (with coupon, available at http://www.celebratepie.com/).

Marie Callender's doesn't seem to be offering anything on their Facebook page. All they seem to do is remind people that Monday is National Pie Day and that customers should buy something to give their friends. According to the American Pie Council, Marie Callender's is offering th $10.99 Perfect Pie Trio: Chicken Pot Pie or Shephard's Pie, served with a Caesar salad and a slice of Marie's Favorite Pie.

If it sounds somewhat disappointing, don't be. There are plenty of regional offerings on National Pie Day, as well. A press release announced that in Boston, Ma., the historic Omni Parker House will "treat guests to a Boston cream pie demonstration and provide a complimentary slice of pie to guests as well as the general public inside the hotel lobby on Monday, January 23 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The Omni Parker House is the birthplace of the Boston Cream Pie, which is also the official Massachusetts State Dessert."

Look around, there are probably plenty of local events centered around National Pie Day. Some events are listed on the American Pie Council website.

Image Source: Screenshot of email

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