The 46th Annual Central New York Maple Fest is this Saturday from 9-5 and Sunday from 9-4 in Marathon. It kicks off with the eating of the pancake.....I should say pancakes.

It's the 20th Annual Pancake Eating contest. It kicks off the Festival and it helps to raise money for local charities.

I was privileged enough to participate in it 2 years ago and I hope to go back and have at it again. It's a chance to eat a lot of pancakes. In fact, not only can you eat all you can but you are encouraged to do so.

So how many pancakes can one person down in 15 minutes? Come by and cheer on all the contestants. Here's how it works.

The newly crowned 2016 CNY Maple Festival Queen drops the sap bucket in the Marathon High School Auditorium at 9 a.m. Eaters will be be forking down pancakes produced in the heart of the Village of Marathon.

They'll be eating pancakes for their not-for-profit charities, who have solicited money per pancake. It's a good way to not only raise money but it also puts a spotlight on the charity. The Maple Festival also helps the contestants by pledging $2 for each pancake eaten.

Returning to defend his Championship is Ryan Siciliano of Conklin, who is eating pancakes for “Every Dogs Dream”.  Here are the other contestants and their charities:

Patrick Rand-The Moravia Fire Department, Tom Cross-First Baptist Church’s Teen Club, Eric St. Peter-The Marathon Lions.

Andrew Pierce-MCS Girls Varsity Basket Ball, Tony Silvanic-Opportunities for Broome, Inc.,Jordan Kashuba-Pack 90 Club Scouts;

Brian Martin-Big Fluffy Dogs Rescue and Ian Stoddard- Hogar Luz de Maria Orphanage.

To find out more about how you can help out these pancake eaters and the Central New York Maple Festival, go here.

Well Ryan, if you win it again this year, enjoy it my friend, enjoy it. Because next year, I'm coming after your crown....I probably should start training now.

 

 

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