Defending champion of 2022 Pasty Eating Competition aims for back-to-back 2023 victory
Pasty Fest 2022 Eating Competition winner Jon "The Hammer" Bates raises his fists in victory. Photo courtesy of 2nd Sandbar Productions.
CALUMET — Jon “The Hammer” Bates won the 2022 Pasty Fest Eating Competition and plans to take home the glory again in 2023. Hailing from Wisconsin, Bates placed first ahead of “Under the Radar” TV host Tom Daldin. The record for the eating competition is 4.5 pasties.
“Last year was my very first eating competition ever,” said Bates. “A friend of mine basically dared me to do it. I had no prior experience or anything like that before. I went through the whole thing and a stomachache later, but I ended up winning”
The Pasty Fest 2023 Eating Competition filled shortly after registration opened. Now, 12 contestants will have five minutes beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19 to eat as many pasties as possible. Spectate to show your support and cheer for Bates and others.
Bates says he is a ketchup guy outside of the competition and has one message for 2023 competitors.
“Come hungry,” said Bates. “And try to keep up.”
Pasty Fest takes place Saturday, Aug. 19 from noon to 4 p.m. on 5th Street in Calumet. Find music, entertainment, and the world’s-first Pasty Fest Olympics taking place throughout the afternoon. Enjoy pasties and vote on the best between Slim’s Café, Jen’s Kitchen, Griffin Café & Catering, and Sheboygan Pasty Co.
Bring your whole family to celebrate a cornerstone of Yooper history – the pasty. Compete in the Pasty Fest Olympics, and be sure to vote on Pasty Art Prize before midnight on Aug. 18.