This weekend, a pie in hand is worth a thousand words.

The Lumpkin County Literacy Coalition, for the fifth year, is sponsoring the “Pie Squared, A Taste for Reading” culinary competition in Dahlonega. Cooks from across the region will face off in several categories to see who has the best recipe.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 26, at Hancock Park and St. Luke’s Catholic Church in downtown Dahlonega, hundreds of hungry people are expected to eat pie, enjoy the music of local musicians and learn more about Lumpkin Literacy. Tickets for the pie tasting are $10 each.

Ribbons for first, second and third place will be awarded in two categories: Savory and Sweet. A panel of judges will donate their time and taste buds to judge entries in both groups. Pies will be evaluated on appearance, taste, texture and creativity. A Best of Show winner also will be selected.

And don’t worry, these pies aren’t out of the box. The rules stipulate that all pies must be homemade; however, crusts can be store bought.

There should be plenty for sampling as contestants must submit two pies: one unsliced pie for the judging and one pre-sliced pie for the tasting event. Pie submission will begin at 9:30 a.m. with judging at 10:30 a.m.

The event will help raise money for the coalition, which promotes reading and literacy in Lumpkin County, and free children’s books will be handed out. The Coalition helps preschoolers learn to read through participation with the Dollywood Foundation in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and in finding adults who are poor readers and helping them to learn to read better.

For more information, contact the Lumpkin County Literacy Coalition at 706-867-9607 or email lumpkinliteracy09@yahoo.com.