20th Annual Pasty Fest proves to be Renaissance for the famous Yooper pastry

CALUMET, Mich. (WJMN) — Crowds showed in force for the 20th annual U.P. Pasty Fest on the streets of downtown Calumet.

The theme was “the Renaissance.” Between pasty poetry, condiment duals, pasty pulls, and a pasty eating contest you could tell that those Yoopers were passionate about their pasties.

“Pasty Fest is our largest event of the summer here in downtown Calumet,” said Executive Director Leah Polzien. “It is the largest fundraiser that we host for our organization, Main Street Calumet as well. We invite vendors from the area to sell pasties that they make, and we host a variety of pasty-related events surrounding that, like a bake-off, or a pasty eating competition. And then we have some named events like the pasty pull.”

Polzien spoke to how long the event has been running, saying, “this is the 20th annual event this year. 20 years of pasties in Calumet. It’s been a great event for our community and our organization. We love to welcome the thousands of people who come out to enjoy pasties. And, you know, check out the history in our town.”

This year’s Pasty Bake-off trophy went to East Forks Pasties for being voted best pasty in the judging kits purchased by festival goers. Events such as a classic car show, medieval exhibitions, and the pasty pull unfolded early Saturday afternoon.

The big pasty eating contest started with a hilarious host and 9 different competitors. The rules of the contest are quite simple, finish your pasty and raise your hand for another. The eaters had 5 minutes to wolf down as many pasties as their stomachs could handle.

With a 5 way tie it all came down to who at the most of their last pasty, which then left a two-way tie.

The first runner-up respectfully bowed out when he heard the winner, Greg, say, “I could finish the rest of that,” in a very nonchalant tone.

On average the Pasty Fest sells over 4,000 pasties in 3 days. They met half of that number this year in the first 3 hours of the day’s events.

Ye olde Pasty Fest wrapped up Sunday with a disc golf tournament at the Calumet Lions Park at 12:30.

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