‘Boss of the Toss’ Competition at Fest
Pizza dough acrobatics is new addition to Festival
WEST WINDSOR — Through the legs, over the back, round and round it goes, all in the name of good pizza or just plain fun and showmanship. The first ever Mercer County “Boss of the Toss” pizza dough acrobatics/spinning competition will be held at the 13th Annual Mercer County Italian American Festival on Saturday, Sept. 29, at 2:30 p.m.
The festival opens at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 30, at Mercer County Park inWest Windsor.
The competition for pizza spinning supremacy in Mercer County will start with an exhibition by 7-year-old pizza spinning sensation, Michael Testa, who can “out toss the big guys” according to his proud dad, Carmine, owner of Carmine’s Pizza Factory in Jersey City, NJ.
Also, demonstrating the advanced techniques of dough tossing will be U.S. Pizza Team members, brother and sister, Chris and Missy Green. Chris, the U.S. Pizza Team trainer, will be doing an interactive session following his performance, where audience members can try their hand at spinning.
Then contestants will take to the stage to vie for the title of Mercer County’s “Boss of the Toss,” the best pizza dough spinner and acrobat in the county.
Judging will be done by the U.S. Pizza Team members and will be based on overall technique, fluidity, originality, difficulty of routine and the participant’s ability to keep the dough in motion and in the air during their three to four minute routine.
The winner will be awarded $200, a first-place ribbon and bragging rights while the restaurant of employment will receive a plaque indicating the heralded top spot.
“It’s quite entertaining and amazing to watch,” Kathi Adie, festival committee member and competition chairperson. “I mean, who hasn’t been entertained watching a pizzaiolo tossing dough in one of our quality pizza establishments in Mercer County. And not only will we be crowning the ‘ Boss of the Toss,’ but we will get to see some of the best pizza dough spinners in the country, from the U.S. Pizza Team, thrill us with their skills,” she added.
The competition is open to all restaurants serving pizza and/or tomato pie in Mercer County. If you can spin pizza dough, you’re invited to give it a go. You can download complete details and a registration form on the festival website at www.ItalianAmericanFestival. or call the festival office at (609) 631-7544.
Named one of NJ’s Top Fall Festivals by CBS New York, the Mercer County Italian American Festival features authentic Italian and Italian American music, a Food Piazza, amusement rides, children’s activities, Bocce, Italian Market Tent, a Heritage Pavilion, fireworks and the Cultural Theater.