Bennison's Paczki Eating Contest Returns

Calling all competitive eaters! The third annual Paczki eating contest will be held in Evanston on Feb. 18.

Bennison's owner Jory Downer confirmed to Patch that the event will be held next month and said they are still getting people on board to participate.

There will be 18 teams of two people each, he said.

Last year the contest benefitted a local child battling a brain tumor. This year a charity has not yet been announced.

Earlier:

Paczkis, or "little package," are deep fried and filled with a variety of fillings such as prunes, custards, apples, strawberries or cheese. In recent years, the treats have become synonymous with Fat Tuesday celebrations.

Last year's winning team was John F. Kehoe and Chris Herman, who ate a total of 19 pazckis. They claimed the secret to their success was whiskey, "specifically Jameson's."

The prize money this year has increased to $300 and $250 in Bennison's gift cards, which can be used to buy plenty more pazckis!

For more details, check Bennison's Facebook page.