Pie-eating kicks off fun Wacky Wednesdays
OCEAN CITY — Wacky Wednesdays, Ocean City’s beloved summer tradition, kicked off with wild success July 3 as crowds gathered at the Ocean City Music Pier for the annual pie eating contest.
The competition, which has been a staple for more than 35 years, was initiated by the late Mark Soifer and has become a highly anticipated summer event for both locals and tourists.
Event planners, anticipating the popularity, ordered 150 Tastykake pies, ensuring no one would leave hungry.
Contestants, who could choose between cherry or apple pie, were divided into five age groups: 5 and under, 6 to 8, 9 to 12, teens and adults.
With their hands behind their backs, participants stood or kneeled behind rows of tables as family members eagerly cheered them on and captured the moment on camera.
All three of Ocean City’s royal ambassadors — Miss Ocean City Lola DeMarco, Junior Miss Ocean City Sarah Avellino and Little Miss Ocean City Stella Fleming — were in attendance to assist and present awards. DeMarco expressed her excitement about judging the event for the first time.
“I’m more of an ice cream person myself, but this is going to be a lot of fun,” she said.
The youngest contestants kicked off the competition. Despite their small stature, these tiny participants demonstrated impressive appetites.
As the age groups progressed, so did the enthusiasm and competitiveness. The 9-12 age group had a particularly close contest, with 10-year-old Chase Las ultimately being declared the winner.
Among the familiar faces was young Beau Boland, competing in the 6-9 age group. Beau’s mother, Michelle, spoke fondly of their family’s love for Ocean City.
“We come down here a lot, and we love events like this. Beau won second place last year, but he’s going for gold this year,” she said.
In the teen category, Max Davis emerged victorious, proudly sporting a blue ribbon and an apple pie-covered face.
Last to go were the adults, and the competition was fierce with participants lined up, down and around the table. The rules were the same as for the others, no use of the hands, but this time the contestants were not allowed to remove the pie from its aluminum container, adding an extra step.
However, the race was over before it started when two-time pie eating champion Scott Cooper, the upper crust of competitors, joined the table.
As the race began, Cooper strategically flipped the pie out of its container and devoured it in a few quick bites, leading to his three-peat. Cooper earned a blue ribbon and his third title. A jam-covered Cooper also spoke of his strategy on the road to his victory.
“I had it planned out — just flip it over and then just go to town,” Cooper said.
More fun to come
this summer
The fun continues at 10:30 a.m. July 10 at the Ocean City Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and the boardwalk, with the Taffy Sculpting Contest. Participants will use their creativity to shape and sculpt Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy into a unique masterpiece. Contest is free but limited to the first 200 participants.
Wacky Wednesday returns July 17 with the French Fry Sculpting Contest. The free event is limited to the first 200 participants.
The next week, the city ho, ho, holds its Christmas in July. Celebrate the holiday season in the summer with a special craft and a visit from Santa while he is in town on vacation. Visit with Santa from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and enjoy the sounds of the season with Christmas Music Bingo at 11 a.m. at the Music Pier, Moorlyn Terrace and boardwalk.
Soft Pretzel Sculpting makes its debut this season on July 31. The free contest is limited to 150 participants. Later that evening, folks will be seeing double during the annual Twins Contest, which offers prizes for those who look the most and least alike. Open to all ages. Free registration begins at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Music Pier; contest begins at 6 p.m.
Wacky Wednesday wraps up Aug. 7 with Prince and Princess Party. Participants will use their creativity to design a prince or princess crown with DeMarco, Avellino and Fleming.
– STORY by EDDIE D’AMICO/For the Sentinel
– Photos by CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
