Pasty Fest embraces a medieval theme this year. Transforming the beloved festival into a “ye olde style” celebration that blends Renaissance fair traditions with the region’s culinary heritage.
The festival draws attendees from Detroit to Wisconsin and a strong local following, according to Jared Howard, Executive Director of Main Street Calumet. “Now we’re doing the ye olde style with a Renaissance fair part of it, so there’ll be people in their Ren Fair costumes,” said Howard.
The festivities kick off at noon on Saturday with a battle of the bands featuring the CLK High School pep band and Michigan Tech pep band performing a “ketchup versus gravy” song battle.
Howard said planning this year’s event has been rewarding, especially connecting with vendors participating in the pasty bake-off. “There’s always something interesting about where a certain restaurant’s pasty idea comes from,” he said. “It’s usually from some part of their family heritage.”
The bake-off includes local favorites such as Jen’s Bakery, Griffin Cafe, Slim’s Cafe, Bosio Biscuit Company, Krupp’s Mini Mart, Michaela Mays Bakery from Wisconsin, and defending champion East Fork Pasty Company. Attendees will sample six pasties and vote for the best.
“Even though the ingredients are very similar, it’s always different,” Howard said. “It’s nice to have some returners who haven’t been there in a while and to have some new faces to show off some pasties.”
The $500 prize for the pasty poll winner adds another competitive element to the festival. And between the Bake-off boxes and the annual Pasty eating competition a lot of delicious food will be available to the community.
Throughout the three-day festival, attendees can visit the Keweenaw Heritage Center or watch the joust performed by the Keweenaw Roller Derby on Sunday. Registration and event details are available at uppastyfest.com or through Main Street Calumet’s Facebook page.
Comments