Third Annual Artichoke Pizza Eating Contest Helps Conclude Park Slope Summer Strolls

On Saturday, August 18, Park Slope’s Fifth Avenue hosted its final Summer Stroll of the season, highlighted by the much-anticipated Artichoke Pizza eating contest. The weather did not dampen the strollers’ spirits as they enjoyed a fun-filled evening of food, music and games for young and old.

From 5 to 9 p.m. Yayo’s Salsa Dance Party had strollers dancing in the street. Those who arrived by 5 p.m. were offered free salsa lessons. And from 5:45-8:45 p.m. there was a Silent Disco between Prospect Place and Park Place.

Other happenings included BK9’s Hoola Hoop contest for kids, plus plate decorating and muffin making. There were back-to-school prizes and live jazz performances between St. Marks Place and Bergen Street.

There was also Zumba dancing and a host of free activities including an inflatable golf course, obstacle course, bouncy house, face painting and a giant chess game.

The Paprika Marching Band performed and there was a vintage car show courtesy of the BKLYN Car Club.

The Artichoke Pizza Eating Contest was hosted by Brooklyn comic Jim Search. The winner received the coveted Golden Peel Trophy, named for the tool used by bakers to slide pizzas out of the oven. This year’s winner, Wayne Algenio, somehow managed to devour 12 slices in 10 minutes.

“Our last stroll of the summer was really packed with activities,” Mark Caserta, executive director of the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District, told this paper. “There was something for everyone…until the rain came.”