Who has the best pizza in northwest Ohio?
That question will be answered at the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce and Sylvania Recreation District’s 13th Annual Pizza Palooza, presented by Sofo Foods. The event will take place at Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Road, Sylvania, on Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19, from 5 to 11 p.m.
An estimated crowd of more than 6,000 guests is expected to attend and vote for their favorite pizza restaurant in this annual contest featuring both people’s and judge’s choice awards. The 12 pizza vendors vying for the title of best pizza restaurant in Northwest Ohio include Bambino’s, Stubborn Brother, Romeo’s, Mama Mary’s, Vikings Pizzeria, Jet’s Pizza, J-Cups, Dandino’s, Pizza Cat, Hindsight Pizza, The VI: Serving Cameo Pizza and Mike’s Pizza. Guests also will be able to satisfy their sweet tooth at booths set up by Mayberry Ice Cream, Susie Lynne’s Lemonade and Olde Tyme Kettle Korn.
Voting will take place on location via iPad. Eventgoers are given one vote for the duration of the event. Attendees can vote onsite both Friday and Saturday via iPad at the voting booth. Voting will close at 8:45 p.m. Saturday, and People’s Choice Awards will be awarded after votes are tallied.
The event is honoring long-time participant Jim Jacob, founder of J-Cups Pizza, who lost his battle with cancer in 2019 by presenting the fifth Annual “Jim Jacob Strength and Spirit Award.” The staff of the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce and Sylvania Recreation will identify the individual, pizza vendor or sponsor who shows great sportsmanship, outstanding attitude, sense of comradery and high integrity, all characteristics that Jim possessed each year at Pizza Palooza and in his daily character.
Palooza enthusiasts and music lovers will enjoy entertainment featuring local bands. Featured Friday will be Distant Cousinz, from 7 to 10:30 p.m.; and on Saturday The Skittle Bots, from 7:30 to 11 p.m.
Families can enjoy their pizza and plenty of activities in the Kids Zone, sponsored by Paramount, from 5 to 9 p.m. each day. This area will include face painting, a bounce house and more.
Admission is $8 for attendees 13 and older, children 12 and under are free. Pizza vendors will sell cheese or pepperoni and specialty pizza by the slice with the option to also purchase a whole pizza. Beverages will be available for purchase.
The Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce and Sylvania Recreation District produce the 13th Annual Pizza Palooza with cooperation from participating businesses.
