Jammin Pie Fest

A Minnesota-area smash hit!

For 8 years, music and pie lovers have gathered in a park-like back yard setting every fall to eat, dance, relax, share encouragement and experience a live show. The public event is organized by Walk Right In Ministries in collaboration with the Jamieson family, great neighbors, fun-loving volunteers, donors and other generous sponsors. All are committed to creating an afternoon that celebrates and fosters inclusive community.

Guests bring a lawn chair or blanket, a bunch of friends and the whole family! The back yard includes wheelchair access and a handicap accessible ADA-compliant portable restroom. We especially encourage special needs families and caregivers of all generations to join us.

brown pie on stainless steel tray

Every year, Jammin’ Pie Fest has featured FREE pie tasting, FREE Caribou coffee, and LIVE music. Bands performing at the event have included popular local artists like Farewell Milwaukee, Harbor & Home, and Family Three, as well as national artists like Amanda Watkins and Grammy Award singer-songwriter Regie Hamm.

Cherished Tradition On Hold for 2023

After months of prayerful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to put Jammin’ Pie Fest on hold for now.

Due to increased resource requirements for the event and growing demand for our primary services — caregiver counseling, discipleship training, and peer support groups — we have needed to evaluate how we do things and what is being prioritized.

We know this is tough news for the many families who make Jammin’ Pie Fest an annual tradition. And we want to thank you for being a part of this beautiful community experience.

Walk Right In Ministries is very excited about the opportunities the Lord is presenting as we pursue our core mission: helping caregivers in special needs families walk abundantly in life, faith, and relationships.

We will continue to offer online events accessible to friends locally and across the world, all aimed at fostering meaningful connections for caregivers and their families impacted by disability, chronic health conditions, mental health issues, and other special needs.

Please subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletters and stay up to date with all that is going on with Walk Right In Ministries.

We are looking forward to connecting with you soon!

Larry & Lisa Jamieson, co-founders of Walk Right In Ministries

What is the dream of Jammin’ Pie Fest?

Walk Right In Ministries celebrates and fosters communities of belonging for people of all abilities.

Friendships and community are so important when you are part of a special-needs family. Yet isolation is a common dilemma. Daily cares keep caregivers at home, problematic behaviors limit participation in church, social connections can become strained and participating in public events can present challenges. Walk Right In Ministries hosts the annual Jammin’ Pie Fest for just these reasons and more.

Event Goals

  • Create a comfortable, encouraging, and accessible space where people from diverse life experiences can enjoy being part of the larger community
  • Reduce and prevent the sense of isolation people experience when facing life challenges
  • Foster relationships and communities where the compassion and truth of Jesus is easily accessible to those who seek it
  • Refresh spirits, increase hope, and improve coping skills so people struggle less and thrive more

Order of Events

Doors Open @ 1:30 pm
Pie Contest Registration Closes @ 1:50 pm
LIVE MUSIC & FREE PIE TASTINGS
Intermission & Live Pie Basket Auction Fundraiser*
MUSIC & PIE TASTINGS CONTINUE
Contest Voting Closes
Create-Your-Own Pie Flights
Pie Contest Awards
Door Prize Drawings
Interactive Musical Finale

Guests Enjoy Homemade Pie Contest

Bringing a pie is always totally optional. Bakers of all ages can register their homemade pie(s) by 1:50 for public tastings, contest judging and numerous fun prizes. Winners receive generous prizes including gift cards from Cub Foods, Schuler Shoes, PUNCH Pizza and more!

To ensure that all of our guests have plenty of pie-tasting options and leave with their hunger satisfied, we also offer scrumptious commercially-baked pies. In recent years, Legendary Baking and Cub Foods Maple Grove have generously donated pies!

Contest categories include:
Crowd Favorite, Judge’s Favorite, Youth Baker, Fruit Pies, Savory Pies, Cream-Style Pies, Chocolate Pies, Gluten-Free Pies, Prettiest Pie, Taster’s Choice.

person holding white ceramic bowl with brown and white cake

Help Families Make Connections

We are solely dependent on the generous and faithful funding of others to fuel Jammin’ Pie Fest and Walk Right In Ministries (WRIM). Jammin’ Pie Fest is made possible by partnerships with area businesses like Great Southern Bank, Schuler Shoes, and Cub Foods as well as private donors who ensure the festival remains financially accessible to all.

Will you partner with us to help caregivers and their families make meaningful connections?

We have many different levels of partnership, each with different benefits — sponsors, donors, advertisers, resource exhibitors and volunteers.

FAQs

Q: Can guests bring a pie?

A: Bringing a pie is always totally optional. Bakers of all ages can register their homemade pie(s) by 1:50 for public tastings and contest judging. Winning bakers receive generous prizes.

NOTE: Contest categories include: Crowd Favorite, Judge’s Favorite, Junior Baker, Youth Baker, Fruit Pies, Savory Pies, Cream-Style Pies, Chocolate Pies, Gluten-Free Pies, Prettiest Pie, Taster’s Choice.

Q: How is Jammin’ Pie Fest funded and supported?

A: Jammin’ Pie Fest event is offered by Walk Right In Ministries (WRIM) in partnership with local and national sponsors. In the past, JPF has been funded through partnership with businesses like Schuler Shoes, Shutterfly, AMG Photography, Sandra Orchard Books, and Ropes Creative who ensure the festival remains financially and accessible to all. There is also a live auction during the concert intermission. Auction proceeds and donations benefit families impacted by disabilities or complex medical and/or developmental needs. Learn more about Partnership Opportunities here.

NOTE: WRIM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity. All donations to WRIM are tax deductible. Donations through Give MN are also appreciated!

Q: How do I get to Jammin’ Pie Fest?

A: The event is held in a park-like neighborhood setting. The address will be announced in the weeks prior to the event. 

Q: Where can I park?

A: Neighborhood street parking is free and based on a first come first serve basis. Parking options include nearby parking lots at Weaver Lake Park. Some minimal handicapped parking is reserved on the street adjacent to the event.

Q: What time does the venue open for Jammin’ Pie Fest?

A: Gates will open at 1:15 pm and music will begin around 1:45 pm.           

Q: Where do I get tickets?

A: You can register online. All tickets are General Admission. The event is FREE for people with disabilities (please refer to the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA for a definition of disability).

Q: How much do tickets cost?

A: Jammin’ Pie Fest is FREE to all. However, a minimum donation of $25 per family is suggested. Our aim is to keep this event as accessible as possible and that includes financially accessible. Thank you for considering a gift to cover event costs and the ongoing work of Walk Right In Ministries. WRIM is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity. All donations are tax deductible.

Q: Are tickets refundable?

A: There are no refunds, and the event is held rain or shine.

Q: Can I register at the gate on the day of Jammin’ Pie Fest?

A: Yes. Tickets will be available at the door. Swag bags are in limited supply, however, and will be available on a first come first serve basis. 

Q: Will I be required to show my ticket at the door?

A: Yes. Please bring a printed copy of your ticket or be ready to display it from your mobile device.

Q: Is the concert family-friendly?

A: Jammin’ Pie Fest is geared toward families and welcomes people of all ages and abilities. 

Q: Is Jammin’ Pie Fest accessible for people with special needs?

A: Yes. There are ADA accessible sections at the event (on a first come first served basis) including an ADA compliant outdoor “porto potty” restroom.

Q: Are blankets and lawn chairs allowed?

A: Yes! In fact, blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. Please be respectful of other concert guests. No umbrellas please.

Q: Is there road construction in the area?

A:  We’ll update this page with any relevant construction information. Please check the MN Department of Transportation website for current construction info: www.dot.state.mn.us/roadwork/current.html

Q: Are food or beverage allowed during the event?

A: FREE coffee, water and pie tastings are a feature of Jammin’ Pie Fest and will be available throughout the event on a first come first serve basis. Due to the fact that we welcome guests with special dietary needs and/or restrictions, we do allow outside coolers of food and/or beverage that specifically meet those unique needs. We request that you do not bring other food or picnics to the event. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited at Jammin’ Pie Fest. 

Q: Can I come to the venue early and save a spot with my blanket?

A:  The venue will not be open to reserve seats prior to gates opening at 1:15 pm.

Q: What happens if there is rain or inclement weather?

A: This event is rain or shine. If there is severe weather, we will implement an evacuation and safety plan. We will make announcements from stage during such an event.

Q: What recommendations do you have when weather calls for rain?

A: Ponchos, raincoats are best for attending the show in rain and not obstruction view of other attendees. Note-umbrellas are not permitted in the venue.

Q: Is smoking permitted?

A: No. For the care and protection of our guests, which includes a large number of people affected by disabilities, complex health issues, or other special needs, we thank you for not smoking. We also recommend that people avoid the use of perfumes or other highly fragrant products such as sunscreen and bug spray.

Q: Will we be permitted to leave the venue and return?

A: Please do not plan to leave and return unless re-admittance after entry has been arranged with our Safety Team Leader.

Q: Can I bring my pet?

A: Please do not bring your pet to the event. Service animals and seeing eye dogs are allowed.