Ansonia seeks participants for Paczki eating contest at Armory

 

Ansonia to host Fat Tuesday Paczki Eating Contest at Armory, contestants wanted

 

Snow forecast for Tuesday cancels Paczki eating contest in Ansonia

 From the City of Ansonia Facebook page:

"Due to the impending snow storm, sadly, the PACZKI eating contest tomorrow has been cancelled."

Ansonia to hold paczki-eating contest on Fat Tuesday at Armory

 

 

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.

Paczki Punch-Out eating contest on tap Tuesday at Ansonia Armory

 

Contestants sought for Ansonia's annual paczki eating contest on Fat Tuesday

 

'Gentleman Joe' wins Fat Tuesday paczki-eating contest at Ansonia Armory

'Gentleman Joe' Menchetti of Cheshire wins the five-minute competition after downing 10 paczkis. 

Ansonia Aldermanic President Josh Shuart takes second place after gobbling six and a half of the traditional extra-plump filled donuts.

Mayor David S. Cassetti congratulates Shuart on his second place win.

Board of Education member Sharon Voroschak chows down paczki number one.

Voroschak, the only female participant, is interviewed by media after the competition.

Read correspondent Jean Falbo-Sosnovich's story in the Valley Independent Sentinel here.

Still time to enter paczki eating contest on Fat Tuesday at Ansonia Armory

 

City seeks contestants for Fat Tuesday paczki eating contest at Ansonia Armory

 

Cassetti to host paczki eating contest on Fat Tuesday at Ansonia Armory

 

Eddy's Bake Shop in Ansonia to hold annual paczki eating contest

Chow down on doughnuts, you might be mayor for a day in Ansonia

David S. Cassetti 

Sweet tooth, anyone?
ANSONIA - Mayor David S. Cassetti encourages everyone to attend the annual "Paczki Eating Contest" at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Eddy’s Bake Shop, 37 Main St.

Cassetti said today that if an Ansonia resident eats the most paczki doughnuts then they will be Ansonia's Mayor for the Day.

Join Eddy's Bake Shop for its month-long 50th anniversary celebration.

Stop by the bakery and enjoy delicious baked goods and visit other shops and restaurants downtown.


This is a press release from Cassetti's office.