See live rattan armored combat in Calumet Aug. 17. (Chris Jaehnig)
20 years of Pasty Fest: Renaissance Revelry ignites in Calumet Aug. 16 & 17
Pasty Fest is bringing renaissance vibes to Calumet August 16-17. A poetry slam kicks off the weekend at Eva’s Hideaway in Calumet where the best bards in all the land can read their pasty-themed poetry competing for wordsmith glory and $75 in Keweenaw Cash. Pasty Fest 2024 brings the classic Pasty Bakeoff with voting and the beloved Pasty Eating Competition. Sign up now for the Pasty Poetry Slam Aug. 16 and Pasty Fest Eating Competition Aug. 17. Dress in medieval fashion for the entire weekend.
The Pasty Fest Planning Committee is pleased to share what folks can expect to see throughout the day.
Live, Medieval Role Play
With the Kingdom of Ketchup and Gravy colliding over a weekend: the Monarch is sending in her best soldiers. Groups Marquest, and Hancock-Houghton Regional Rattan Armored Combat are donning their kingdom attire for an afternoon of encampment. 5th Street in Calumet will become a medieval town with stocks, jousting and archery games the public can participate in. Additionally, the horses are charging into town square. Come early before the opening procession to participate and ride a hobby horse brought from Sew Cranky in Hancock. Participate in a pop-up costume contest at 3:00 at the Pasty Fest main stage to win $50 in Keweenaw Cash.
Look for blacksmith, metal casting, and armored rattan combat demonstrations taking place along Fifth Street in Calumet.
The Pasty Bakeoff and Pasty Eating Competition
Pasty Fest’s core will always revolve around the Pasty Bakeoff and Eating Competition. Attendees should come hungry and buy a Pasty Sample Platter to cast their vote on the best pasty in all the kingdom. Additionally, all the Pasty Vendors will be ready to go serving hot pies all day. Don’t miss the eating competition at 3:30 p.m. at 5th and Oak Street. Just before the eating contest, the Pasty Fest Planning Committee will reveal the Pasty Poetry, Bakeoff, Car Show, and other winners for the day.
Pasty Pull: A Show of Strength
All the ketchup and gravy lovers of the land should put their strength to the test in our second year of the Pasty Pull! First introduced in 2023 in Calumet, the Pasty Fest Planning Committee is bringing back a strong-man contest to Oak Street in Calumet. Pull a vehicle full of Pasty Ingredients down the street to impress the Monarch of Pastoria (Calumet).
Pasty Fest is a fundraiser for Main Street Calumet. The day pays tribute to the beloved Cornish pasty, which was brought to the region during its copper mining peak. The dish is easy to transport, easy to eat, and tastes great with ketchup or gravy, depending on who you ask. Pasty Fest is still seeking participants for the eating contest, poetry slam and many volunteer positions are available. Take a peek and sign up to volunteer here.