This is a free event. Why should I register?
Registering for Cherry Pie Day helps us to anticipate how many people will attend and how many cherry pies will be collected. Thank you for working with us through this process!
What is Cherry Pie Day?
Cherry Pie Day, our annual homeschool lobby day, is ICHE’s way of being proactive in regards to homeschooling legislation. We wish to create a positive presence in Springfield that sends a clear message to our political officials: “The homeschool community is alive and active in the political sphere, and we are thankful for the freedoms we have to educate our children.” We ask for each family to bring two saran-wrapped cherry pies.
Do the pies have to be cherry?
Yes. The law states that legislators must receive the same thing. And while few things taste as good as a homemade pie – especially considering some of the great cooks in the homeschooling community – the pies don’t have to be homemade. If you would rather buy a couple of pies, feel free to stop by a bakery or grocery store prior to arrival in Springfield.
Parking
There is a public parking lot at the visitors center located on College St., southwest of the Stratton Building. There are numerous parking spots along side streets with parking meters. Different meters have different times so to avoid a ticket please double check your meter.
Click here for a free printable Springfield Visitors Map
Meals
All meals are on your own. Many bring their own lunch with them. There is a restaurant in the bottom of the Stratton building which can be accessed through the underground tunnels. Available restaurants in the area are also included in the above Springfield Visitors map link.
What do I wear?
Business attire is appropriate. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes!
What about strollers?
The Capitol Building is stroller accessible. There are only a few places you cannot take them. By and large, strollers do not present a problem.
Security
Going through security is similar to that of going through airport security, only you don’t have to take off your shoes. You must walk through a metal detector. Purses are allowed, but backpacks are discouraged. No weapons of any kind are allowed.
What do I say to the legislator or staff person when delivering pies?
You will receive a note with suggestions of what to say when you present your pie. You may borrow from this or share your own thoughts. Your greatest communication will be having a well-behaved family at your side; this speaks volumes.
How do I attend on a tight budget?
You can save gas money by car pooling with another family, and metered parking is free. Be sure to pack a cooler for lunch; however, you cannot take your cooler into the Capitol buildings. There are also cheaper restaurants further away from downtown.
I cannot attend, but how can I help?
Several support groups receive pies from their members and ask a volunteer from the group to deliver them. This is a huge help! Another way to help is through donations. ICHE does not charge for this event, but we do incur expense. A donation of any size helps immensely. A third way is to make an effort to call your representative and senator on March 26, the day of our event.