One Texas city is going big (and sweet) for the upcoming solar eclipse, baking the “world’s largest moon pie” to celebrate the momentous occasion. The public will get a chance to try a slice at Total Eclipse in the Park, a viewing event put on by Irving, a city over 200 miles north of Austin. The event is set to eclipse “all the rest, giving visitors and residents alike the opportunity to “not only experience four solid minutes of totality, but also get a slice of the World’s Largest Moon Pie,” according to a Visit Irving news release.
Tom Meehan, a general manager of the Irving Convention Center at Los Colinas, said in a statement that the city “wanted to do something out-of-the ordinary for a once-in-a-lifetime event.”
When is Total Eclipse in the Park? The “cosmic celebration” will be held at Heritage Park and Levy Event Plaza from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, April 8. Live music, eclipse glasses, space-themed food and refreshments, gondola cruises and pedal boating will be available for all attendees. And a free slice of the “World’s Largest Moon Pie” if you are interested.
Why make the ‘world’s largest’ moon pie? Well, for one, it’s on theme. Diana Pfaff, Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau Marketing & Communications vice president, told USA TODAY Friday that most, if not all, ideas brainstormed involved moon pie. They also thought this once-in-a-lifetime event was a good opportunity to showcase Eduardo Alvarez, the ICC executive chef’s work.
How big is Irving’s version of the ‘world’s largest’ moon pie? The “world’s largest moon pie,” which will be made over the weekend, is set to “weigh between 200 and 400 pounds” and measure “between 4 and 6 feet in diameter,” according to the news release.
