Maxie's Looking to Help Burn Victims with "Pickle Pandemonium" Eating Contest

The matzo balls have been traded for pickles, but the goal is still the same - raising money for a good cause. 

After two years of holding a successful "Matzo Ball Mania," Maxie’s Delicatessen in Stoughton will instead have a pickle eating contest, owner Steve Robbins said. 

Dubbed "Pickle Pandemonium," the pickle eating contest will take place Sunday, April 28 at 2 p.m. at Maxie's, 117 Sharon St. in Cobbs Corner (outside if the weather cooperates).

Like last year, all the proceeds are being donated to the Sumner Redstone Burn Center at Massachusetts General Hospital. Last year's event raised about $11,000 for the burn center.

Feeling like he was getting the same contestants for the matzo ball contest, Robbins wanted to change things up a bit, and possibly attract some younger participants.

"When you think of a deli, what do you think of? Pickles," Robbins said.
The contestants will be eating small garlic dill pickles from Regal Pickle Works in Worcester.  

They have a "nice crunch and beautiful taste," Robbins said. 

The object is to eat as many pounds of pickles as possible within the six-minute time limit. 

Pickles have to be eaten as is, with no toppings. Participants may eat either sitting or standing in their designated areas, and can drink water during the competition, but the use of utensils is not allowed.

If a Participant has a “Roman Incident” (throws up), he or she is automatically disqualified.

Jim Braude, WGBH and NECN talk show host, will be the emcee. 

While the contest itself provides the entertainment, for Robbins, and business partner Joyce Ann Silva, this event is about giving back to a worthy cause.

Massachusetts General Hospital has provided burn treatments to patients since 1821. The Massachusetts General Hospital Sumner M. Redstone Burn Center, dedicated in 1985, is one of the largest adult burn centers in the Northeast, treating hundreds of patients each year, according to a press release. 

It offers cutting-edge therapies for acute thermal injuries, as well as innovative reconstructive procedures, psychiatric services and an in-house makeup service.

One of Maxie's past employees, Joe Kinan, is a survivor of the February 2003 Station Nightclub Fire in Rhode Island, which killed 100 people. He was severely burned and injured, however, and has had more than 100 surgeries as a result. 

"I wanted to do a fundraiser with him in mind," Robbins said. "It's the 10th anniversary of the Station Fire; keep the awareness going."

Contestants will compete for the $500 first place prize. Second place gets $200. 

There will also be a silent auction with Red Sox tickets, golf, entertainment and more, for spectators. 

Current sponsors include: Boar’s Head, Accessible Transportation, Regal Crown Pickles, Rotary Club of Canton, Legal Seafood, and the Schlossberg & Solomon Memorial Chapel.  

For more information about participating in, attending or supporting the Pickle Pandemonium, or to learn more about the silent auction items or sponsors, click on the following link:

http://www.maxiesdeli.com/2013-Pickle-Contest.html