The Illinois House overwhelmingly voted Aptril 16th to declare pumpkin pie the official state pie, following a jovial debate over the merits of sweet potato and blueberry versions of the baked dessert.
The measure passed 108-3 and now goes to the Senate. If it ends up being signed into law by Gov. Bruce Rauner, pumpkin pie would join a bevy of other official state symbols including the fossil, animal, reptile and dance (the square dance, for inquiring minds).
While the debate was lighthearted, sponsoring Rep. Keith Sommer said the measure was designed to celebrate the state's status as the chief producer of processed pumpkin. Sommer's hometown of Morton outside Peoria holds a pumpkin festival each fall to celebrate the beginning of the pumpkin harvest and canning season.
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