Pine Island. No tears allowed at the chamber’s onion eating contest
| 07 Sep 2021 | 12:10
Emcee Paul Ruszkiewicz points to the winner, Mike Stubeck, in a tight bite to the finish. Photos provided by Jerry Zimmerman.
Winner Mike Stubeck, center, raises his plaque in victory as Alex Kocot and Paul Ruszkiewicz look on.
The Pine Island Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Onion Eating Contest on Sunday, Sept. 5, at the Polish Legion of American Veterans Pavilion.
Orange County legislator and local farmer Paul Ruszkiewicz emceed the contest for the organizer, Alex Kocot, who was one of the competitors.
A large crowd cheered on their favorites as Mike Stubeck, new to the competition, won in a really tight bite to the finish.
Warwick Town Supervisor, Michael Sweeton and Warwick Town Council candidate Kevin Shuback were among the contestants.
This event was sponsored and conducted by the Orange County Vegetable Growers Association, and took place during the annual Onion Festival produced by 18-time Grammy winner Jimmy Sturr and his Orchestra.
The winner received a check for $100 from the Orange County Vegetable Growers Association, and a plaque sponsored by the Orange County Farm Bureau.
In a grand charitable, community gesture, Stubeck donated his prize money to the Polish Legion of American Veterans.