The sixth annual Relay for Life pie auction takes place at 7:45 p.m., Friday, June 22, at Bluffton University's Salzman Stadium.

In 2006, the first Relay for Life Pie auction was held and it has been an annual event ever since. The pies are judged with the first three places being announced as the pies are auctioned.

Usually consisting of a variety of around 25 homemade pies, volunteer auctioneer Dave Warren gets the crowd's attention and soon all of the pies have found new homes. The result of the auction is a sizable donation for the American Cancer Society's Research Fund.

Over the years, pie bakers have been mothers and daughters and/or sons (even one mother with a daughter and a son), a father and daughter, a husband and wife, and sisters (including one set of four sisters) in friendly competition.

According to sponsors of the auction, some participants have baked a pie each year, trying different recipes.

Pie cookbooks were created in 2008 (sold out), 2009, and this year a combined 2010+2011 cookbook lists all the recipes of the pies entered.

Rick and Ruth Grihalva of Forever in Stitches have donated the printing to make these attractive cookbooks which will be available for a donation to Relay for Life on June 22.

If you are looking for a good homemade pie, come to Salzman Stadium and see if we have your favorite flavor. You may just go home with a pie, or two, or three.