PIERRE - The 11th annual Pie Day at the state Capitol in Pierre will be Saturday.

Typically, 1,500 or so people file into the building on that day to view the display of about 100 Christmas trees and eat complimentary pie, cookies, ice cream and coffee.

The event is hosted by state Attorney General Larry Long. Volunteers not only bake pies but also help serve them.

It takes 200 to 225 pies to feed the masses.

Forrmer Attorney General Mark Barnett, who is now a circuit judge, came up with the idea of Pie Day as a peace offering after telling the ladies at a polling place in Wasta that state law makes it illegal to offer anything to voters - such as snacks or goodies.