To celebrate its fourth anniversary and give back to the community that has made Home Slice Pizza one of Austin’s favorite eateries, the restaurant is holding its 4th Annual Home Slice Carnival-O-Pizza on Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 12 to 7p.m. All proceeds from the carnival will directly benefit Austin Pets Alive! (APA!).
The idea for the carnival came from a desire to recreate the best parts of Coney Island, the San Gennaro Festival in New York’s Little Italy, and co-owner Jen Strickland’s childhood memories of block carnivals in support of different charities.
“When I was a kid in the 70s it was popular to host a carnival in your yard for charity,” said Strickland. “My grandparents owned a drive-in so they would let us fire up an old popcorn machine they had in their garage to help make it more authentic. We decided to try to replicate that vibe.”
Held in the Home Slice Pizza backyard at 1415 South Congress Avenue, the carnival promises fun for all ages with games, carnival-style booths, raffles, live music, Photo Booth, beer (lots!), pizza (obviously) and these not-to-be-taken-lightly contests:
Extreme Pizza Eating Contest
Open to anyone ready to stuff themselves triumphant, contestants in the EXTREME pizza eating contest will be judged by how much pizza they can eat in 30 minutes.
Pizza Tossing Contest
In true New York pizzeria style, the pizza tossing contest will showcase the best tossing talent and artistry from pizzerias in Austin and beyond. We’re excited to welcome Scott Weiner from New York City Pizza Tours as our celebrity judge!
Pizza Box Folding Contest
Not an expert pizza tosser but think you’re good with your hands? Enter the pizza box folding contest and prove your agility to a crowd of onlookers.
Hands on an Eggplant Sub
Test your mental and physical stamina; the person who keeps their hand on an eggplant sub the longest receives free Home Slice pizza for a year. This popular contest once went on for 27 hours and then ended in a tie that had to be broken by a game of Home Slice trivia. Another pair of competitors met over the sub and ended up getting married; the proposal included “Will You Marry Me” in pepperoni on a Home Slice pizza. Check out last year’s winner, Seth, who has documented his year of free pizza through his blog.
Carnival goers can have their chance to win prizes including a cruiser from Bicycle Sports Shop, a two-night stay at the Hotel San Jose and additional prizes from Castle Hill Fitness, Whole Earth Provisions and other friendly businesses around town. All proceeds from the raffle benefit Austin Pets Alive!
Music and entertainment happening throughout the day includes the Austin Break Dancers, a troupe of talented New York-style break dancers; Little Stolen Moments, a unique Austin dance troupe; Big Don, a hip-hop artist known for his original kid-inspired raps; and DJ Ariel, part of the rap duo The Reflex. Jerm Pollet, part of The Sinus Show at Alamo Drafthouse, will keep you updated of the day’s events as the Carnival’s emcee.
Home Slice is thrilled to announce that Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is the beneficiary of the proceeds from this year’s carnival. APA! strives to promote and provide the resources, education and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals in Austin. APA! holds adoption events at locations throughout the city, including across the street from Home Slice on South Congress. APA! volunteers will man the carnival booths and dogs available for adoption will be at the carnival. For more information, visit http://www.austinpetsalive.org/.
To sign up for the contests or learn more about the Carnival-O-Pizza, stop by for a slice at Home Slice Pizza or check the web site at www.homeslicepizza.com.
