The annual Whoopie Pie Festival returned to Lancaster once again on Sept. 10, drawing fanatics of the sweet treat from far and wide. Although attendees were able to more than get their fill of whoopie pies and whoopie pie-themed activities, the festival also included a variety of vendors and artisans that sold handmade items and collectibles.

The event was held at Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn on Hartman Bridge Road in Ronks. Beginning at 9 a.m., the festival first greeted attendees with its whoopie pie tent. Inside the tent were rows of specialty whoopie pies in hundreds of flavors, from the staple original and buttercream pies to maple bacon and cotton candy. Attendees were able to peruse the many aisles and purchase their favorite flavors.

Several activities for children and adults alike were offered throughout the day, such as the "whoopie pie long launch." Participants were equipped with a handful of whoopie pies and a slingshot, with the goal of hitting targets several yards away. "We love meeting people at the festival and and chatting with them. It's always a lot of fun showing them how to use the slingshot for the whoopie pie launch," said Francis Swan, who operates the activity each year with his wife, Terry. Children were able to decorate their own whoopie pies and enjoy a bounce house, face painting and a whoopie pie treasure hunt.

At 1:30 p.m., hungry contestants took part in a whoopie pie eating contest. Provided with a mound of pies, contestants furiously devoured their desserts as the timer ran. The participant who ate the most pies by the end of the allotted time was crowned the victor and awarded a prize. The festival also hosted a "whoopie pie yell-off," where children competed to determine who could yell "whoopie pie" the loudest, and a contest to see who could design the most creative custom pie.

"I love the variety the festival offers. I work on a farm for a living, so it's a nice change of pace to take part and meet so many people," said Sally Arkulari, who ran the "make your own whoopie pie" stand, where participants decorated their own custom desserts.

In addition to partaking in the many activities of the festival, attendees were able to browse several stands offering collectible items and handmade goods. Merchants sold jewelry, antiques, yard decorations and decorative gourds. Blazing Swine BBQ operated its own tent and provided freshly made food for purchase. Hundreds of people were in attendance, enjoying the various activities and stocking up on whoopie pies to hold them over until next year's event.