Contest winner at Ansonia Armory devours 11 paczkis, takes crown for 3rd time

Victory is sweet for Manny 'the Manimal' Cambra who downed 11 Polish paczkis in the five-minute, Fat Tuesday eating competition at the Ansonia Armory. He even devoured a 12th one after the contest was over.

In above photo Cambra is being congratulated by Mayor David S. Cassetti. (Photo from City of Ansonia Facebook page. All event photos posted on the City's page were taken by Joey Febus, Anthony DelaNooch Mullin, and Patrick Buckley.)

Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday, is a day of indulgence. The paczki tradition comes from Poland, where butter, sugar, eggs and other items were used to make the pastries to be consumed before the  start of 40 days of Lent, when traditionally Christians will give up sweets or other kinds of food. 

I caught Cambra, at left, in action.

Corporation Counsel John P. Marini (with microphone) introduced each contestant to the audience before the eating began. A boxing ring had been set up temporarily in the Armory. 

Miss Ansonia Petite Martina Beattie is standing second from left in the front row.

Second place honors went to "Mr. Ed," (Ed Hartsberg) who ate 7 Paczkis. Aldermanic President Josh Shuart (above) took third place by downing 6 Paczkis. I like his shirt!

(Photo from the City of Ansonia Facebook page.)

New this year was a contestant known as Valley Indy Avenger, hired by the Valley Independent Sentinel to live stream the competition. He confessed afterward he only was able to eat 2 of the delectable double-sized doughnuts. The dinos look amused. 

Also on hand to add some glimmer was pro-wrestling legend Bull Dredd, seen here chatting with the Avenger, who was attempting to compete.

... And I'll share a flashback to the 2007 competition held at Eddy's Bake Shop on Main Street. A long time ago!

It was the New Haven Register Valley Bureau v. Milford Bureau.

My co-worker Elizabeth Benton (at right) and I did the best that we could, but our Valley team didn't win. My son Cameron, who was 16 at the time, is standing behind me offering moral support as I consumed 2-1/2 of the fried dough delights. 

In addition to the comprehensive coverage by the Valley Independent Sentinel, the annual event was covered by several media outlets. Check them out on the City of Ansonia's Facebook page, among others.