It is no small feat for the team at St. Mark’s Church to bring the annual Cherry Festival to life every summer – namely, because of all the pies they have to bake.

This year, it took 1,232 pounds of cherries, 210 pounds of flour and 216 pounds of lard – plus all hands on deck baking in the church kitchen – to churn out 749 pies.

Diane Turner, head of all things pie for this year’s festival, said there will be no shortage of pies during Saturday’s festivities, with everything prepped and ready to go. 

Turner has been leading the yearly celebration’s pie-making at St. Mark’s since 2012. Every year, they are in equally high demand. 

“We have a lineup that’s usually pretty lengthy,” Turner told The Lake Report. 

This year, things will be handled a little bit differently, she said – the team will be opting to hand out pie pickup tickets to avoid an overwhelming crowd. 

Those who buy a ticket can secure their fresh or frozen pie at their desired time – hopefully, with no line. 

Each pie’s creation begins with fresh cherries from Cherry Lane in Vineland and with the help of around 25 volunteers, they’re transformed into one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s favourite summer treats.

Along with the dessert highlight, this year’s festival-goers can look forward to new additions to the celebration including savoury take-home snacks such as lasagna and cottage pie.

There will also be two free concerts and the usual shopping for collectibles, antiques and more.

Festival co-chair Greg Walker said that this year’s festivities are certainly something to look forward to. 

“And please, please call up good weather,” he joked. 

The St. Mark’s Cherry Festival runs this Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., admission is free to all.