These are serious times, and serious times call for serious governmental bodies and citizens’ organizations—-like the American Pie Council. These tireless pie fanatics devote themselves to one of our country’s toughest problems, the lack of appreciation of sweet fillings surrounded by flaky crusts.

In addition to annual pie cook-offs, recipe exchanges, and a quarterly newsletter addressing issues in the "pie world," the American Pie Council created National Pie Day, which is observed with reverence each January. From the APC website: "As part of our American heritage, this day is a perfect opportunity to pass on the love and enjoyment of pie eating and pie making to future generations."

If your forward-thinking employer has given you the day off on Monday to thoroughly enjoy the most enriching of pie holiday traditions, or if you live in the real world, here are a few events and specials planned throughout the city to help you get your pie on.

The Original’s Pie Day Celebration will feature free—yes, free—mini pies from Pastry Chef Sally Bowers. All you have to do is like and comment on the restaurant’s Facebook page, print out your comment or have it ready on your phone, and stop by the restaurant (300 SW 6th Avenue) on Monday, January, 23rd. Facebookers will be able to choose between moon pies, whoopie pies, fried pies and more.

Alberta’s Random Order pie shop is teaming up with neighboring Caffe Vita coffee for three pie and artisan coffee pairing specials. Choose a slice of Kentucky Pecan with Fair Trade Organic Theo Blend, Flirty Berry with single origin Columbian, or make it savory with an herbed cream cheese and sundried tomato pie with single origin Kenyan. For free tastings, visit Random Order on Thursday, January 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 or Caffe Vita on Alberta on Saturday, January 21 from 4 to 6.

The Aussie transplants at Pacific Pie Co. are offering $3 slices of their Apple Sour Cream Pie, Chocolate Bourbon Hazelnut Pie, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, and Key Lime Pie all day Monday.

If you’re interesting in making your own pies, In celebration of National Pie Day, Pacific Pie Co. will also be hosting their annual Pie Contest this weekend. Winners in both sweet and savory categories will be featured on Pacifc Pie Co’s menu in February. The competition is going down Sunday, Janurary 22 at 1 pm at 1520 SE 7th. To register, email [email protected]

Go, my friends. Eat pie, make pie, celebrate Pie Day, and make America proud.