By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
It’s not a typical job application. Then again, it’s not a typical job.
As a fundraiser for a local non-profit group, Call of the Canyon restaurant is planning a pie eating contest. The competition will be held during the annual Rally BG on Main event on Aug. 23, at 5 p.m., in front of the restaurant at 109 N. Main St.
To make sure only serious competitors apply, recruits were asked to submit applications that ask for contestants to profess their feelings about pie.
Following are some of the comments submitted by potential pie eating athletes.
- “I’m 330 pounds and I don’t miss any meals; I want to get more interactive with certain events.”
- “I have wanted to do a food challenge since I first watched ‘Man vs Food,’ it’s been what, 14 years? I’ve longed to participate in a pie eating contest since I watched ‘Stand by Me’ in the 80s as a wee little child. If you would pick me to be a part of your event it would knock two bucket list desires out. It would make a sad, lonely woman happy.”
- “I love eating food. I once ate a Big Mac in one bite. I work in the community and have lived in Bowling Green for three years now!”
- “I’ve made the most pies in Bowling Green due to my family owning the sweet shop. If anyone knows pies, it’s me.”
- “I love pie, and I love Call of the Canyon. I actually wanted pie at my wedding instead of cake. We settled on cheesecake. LOL”
- “I am a large man who enjoys pie. And I live 3 doors down from Call of the Canyon, and am a local car salesman. What’s not to love?”
- “I eat 4000 calories a day to get big and strong and would like to make those calories pie calories.”
As they plotted out the official rules for the pie contest, Call of the Canyon owners Ardy Gonyer and Tim Emmerich debated some of the details.
What type of pie? Probably peanut butter pie. “It’s our marquee pie,” Emmerich said.
Half or whole pie? Likely a whole pie to make it more of a challenge.
Utensils allowed? Definitely no. It’s possible the contestants won’t even be allowed to use their hands, and will have to dive in face first.
Dignitaries will be on hand, with Clint Corpe and Jerry Anderson providing bite-by-bite commentary. Wood County Common Pleas Judge Matt Reger will fill the role of contest judge. And just to be on the safe side, First Presbyterian Church’s Rev. Jeff Schooley will provide the invocation.
“This will be a historic athletic competition,” Emmerich said.
“People will be telling their grandkids about it for years to come,” Gonyer said.
This could be the beginning of an annual event in Bowling Green, after all, Nathan’s hot dog eating contests had to start somewhere, Emmerich said.
The contest will raise funds for the local Be Better Foundation. The organization’s mission is to support, mentor, and empower youth facing adversity in the Bowling Green community, helping them build resilience, develop essential skills, and become active, positive contributors to society.
Sponsors for the pie eating competition include InTech IT Solutions, Almar Property Management, Spitler Huffman Law Offices, BG Manor, Brookdale, Thayer Family Dealerships, RISK Strategies, and Easystreet Cafe.
