Slim’s Café wins 3rd consecutive Pasty Bake-Off, eating champion keeps dominating
Pasty mascot “Cousin Jack” waves to the crowd at Pasty Fest 2023. Photo by Lily Venable.
CALUMET—The 19th Annual Pasty Fest was a huge success, uniting the Keweenaw over the beloved pasty. Vendors competed for the best pasty, classic cars and craft vendors filled the streets, and competitions were held throughout the day with music on every street corner. Happy faces filled 5th Street from the Keweenaw National Historical Park Visitor Center to Offshore Fish and Chips. Pasties were eaten, judged and celebrated over the weekend under blue, sunny skies.
“We were so happy with this year’s event,” said Leah Polzien, Main Street Calumet executive director. “The weather cooperated, and we had an excellent turnout. It was wonderful to see everyone enjoying the pasties, the competitions and Downtown Calumet in general.”
Pasty Fest 2023 Competition Winners
Pasty Bake-Off: Slim’s Café (3rd consecutive year)
Pasty Eating Competition: John “The Hammer” Bates (2nd consecutive year)
Eeva Räisänen–“Midsummer Pasty Fest”
Tony Hatala–“Grandma’s Love Language”
Benjamin Mitchell–”The Pasty Pack”
Pasty Pull: William Jahns
Car Show Owner’s Choice: Ray Aho (’68 Firebird)
Car Show People’s Choice: Dave Junti (’63 Corvette)
Horseshoe Tournament: Justine and Dave
See you next year! Photo by Lily Venable.
Main Street Calumet and Visit Keweenaw thank all who attended, vended, competed or volunteered at Pasty Fest 2023. The crew hopes everyone left full and satisfied with cherished memories of a weekend filled with pasty perfection and camaraderie. Pasty Fest continues to be a treasured tradition in the hearts of Keweenaw locals and visitors alike. If you missed the fun, be on the lookout for next year’s Pasty Fest. Stay in the loop by following Main Street Calumet, Pasty Fest, and Visit Keweenaw on social media.