Jennifer Alexander Ruple
Nine restaurants will compete at the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce’s 10th annual Pizza Palooza July 22 and 23. The event, presented by Grogan’s Towne and Sofo Foods, will be held at Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., on Friday, July 22 from 5 to 11 pm and Saturday, July 23 from 4 to 11 pm.
The competition features both people’s and judge’s choice awards, and organizers are expecting more than 8,000 guests to attend, eat pizza, and cast their votes. Those vying for the title of best pizza restaurant in northwest Ohio are Bambino’s, Half Time, Romeo’s, Mama Mary’s, Vikings Pizzeria and Wings, J-Cups, Dandino’s, and All American.
In addition to a plethora of pizza, guests will have a variety of sweet options to choose from including Mayberry Ice Cream, Susie Lynne’s Lemonade and Olde Tyme Kettle Korn.
Voting will take place on location via iPad. Event-goers are given one vote for the duration of the event. Attendees can vote both Friday and Saturday at the voting booth. Voting will close at 9 pm Saturday and People’s Choice Awards will be awarded after votes are tallied by VZN Group, LLC.
The event honors long-time participant Jim Jacob, founder of J-Cups Pizza, who lost his battle with cancer in 2019, by presenting the 2nd annual Jim Jacob Strength and Spirit Award. The staff of the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce and Centennial Terrace will identify the individual, pizza vendor or sponsor who shows great sportsmanship, outstanding attitude, sense of camaraderie, and high integrity, all traits that Jacob possessed each year at Pizza Palooza and in his daily character.
Musical entertainment will be provided by Distant Cousinz and North of Nashville on Friday evening and The Grape Smugglers on Saturday evening.
Families can enjoy their pizza along with plenty of fun. Face painting and activities in the Kid’s Zone from 5 to 9 will be provided by Over the Rainbow. Interactive activities include a bounce house and inflatable obstacle course, Legos, and more. Guests of Pizza Palooza will have the option to purchase glow sticks on-site.
Admission is $6 for attendees 12 and older. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available in the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce office located at 5632 N. Main St. in Sylvania. Pizza vendors will sell cheese or pepperoni and specialty pizza by the slice with the option to purchase a whole pie.
Pizza Palooza is sponsored by Premier Bank, Durocher’s, VZN Group, LLC, the City of Sylvania and Paramount Health Care. Media Sponsors include 13abc, iHeart Media, Sylvania AdVantage, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, and The Guy in the 419.