Crowds fought the excessive heat and humidity to enjoy themselves at this “curated” street fair and an annual nabe highlight. The corn and lemonade stands were at a minimum, and only a handful of silly bandz purveyors were to be found. Instead, the fair brought out the best in local businesses, and their owners.
Patrick Watson and Michele Pravda [pictured above] of Stinky Bklyn, Smith & Vine, The JakeWalk and Brooklyn Wine Exchange, hosted Stinky Bkyln’s annual cheese eating contest. Will Millender, two-time champion, was on hand to defend his title. His technique: “Eat a lot.” He’s a semi-pro competitive eater with “a specialty of small items, finger-food type items in a short, speed contest.” When asked for any tips for up-and-coming eaters, he said that “you should only be doing this if you have a passion for food… It helps if you’re a fat guy.” Could he achieve his goal of eating a full pound of Cantalet in two minutes?
Find out and see lots of photos after the jump.
Laura Cheneverd dresses up for The Wing Bar
Leslie Bernat of Provence en Boite
Jennifer Lopez, Hannah Wallace and Amanda Greenhagen of La Casita Yarn Shop & Cafe
The author learns to knit
Tom Diller of Mongo
76th Precinct Officer Enjoys Eton’s Shave Ice
Emily Warren and The Betters get the young crowd going
Giovanni Recigno entertains the crowd
John Bowler with Special Guest Michelle Pravda
The Cantalet Stands Alone
Cheese Eating Contest participants get psyched
3-Time Cheese Eating Contest Winner Will Millender celebrates with Beep Marty Markowitz
Millender fell short of his goal but still devoured the competition, downing a stomach-turning 14 ounces of Cantalet in just two minutes. The champion’s belt will remain in his hands for another year.
All Photos by the author
14 ounces! It has become my mission in life to take away the Championship from this man!