CALUMET, Mich. (WJMN) — Organizers for Pasty Fest 2024 are calling on two groups to help bring this year’s medieval theme alive as clashing kingdoms of the two controversial condiments for the staple dish of the Upper Peninsula: ketchup and gravy.
“Where does your loyalty lie?” asks a spokesperson for Visit Keweenaw ahead of the weekend event, set to begin on Friday, August 16.
According to organizers, two live-action roleplaying groups will don armor and weapons to defend the honor of their favored pasty sauce, and set up three games the public can participate in.
Other big attractions will include a pasty-themed poetry slam (with $75 in Keweenaw Cash up for grabs), a pasty bake-off, and pasty eating contest.
Last year, John “The Hammer” Bates defended his title as returning champ at the pasty eating contest, putting down 4.5 pasties.
Also returning for a second year is the Pasty Pull, where competitors give it all they’ve got to pull a car full of pasty ingredients down Oak Street to prove themselves among their neighbors (and “to impress the Monarch of Pastoria,” according to a Visit Keweenaw spokesperson).
PASTY FEST SCHEDULE: (Subject to Change)
● Friday, August 16
o 5-7 p.m. – History on the Rocks: A Pasty Poetry Slam @ Eva’s Hideaway in Calumet
o 7:30 p.m. – Red Hot Chili Pipers @ The Calumet Theatre
● Saturday, August 17
o Pasty Fest: 12-4 p.m.
o All Day – Pasty Jousting
o 12:00 p.m. – Opening Ceremonies
o 1 p.m. – Battle of Ketchup v. Gravy
o 2 p.m. – Pasty Pull
o 3 p.m. – Champion Announcements
o 3:30 p.m. – Pasty Eating Competition
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. Sign up to volunteer here .
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