Perogy Eating Fundraiser Raises $2,260 for VFB

 Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

Fourteen contestants tried to eat all the perogies they could at the RONA Vegreville Fundraising Perogy Eating Contest on October 2.

Derrick Sowalski and Kevin Melenka tied with 43 perogies within the seven-minute allowed time frame, which called for an extension where Kevin Melenka won first place with 47 perogies in eight minutes.

Kevin said he had breakfast of peanut butter and toast before the contest. On what the experience was like, Kevin shared that it was hard to chew them after a while. “My mouth got sore before my stomach got full. I sipped on some water before eating the perogies to help them go down. I am a big eater normally, so I am not in any distress right now.

I just did it for fun. It feels good to win, however,” Kevin added.

Kevin’s co-workers from Lakeland Power Co-op exclaimed that they were extremely proud of him.

Derrick shared that the experience was alright, but not as good as it was in the last couple of years when he won.

Manager of RONA Ben Sawatzky said Kevin was the first-place winner, but the record is still 43 perogies within seven minutes. All proceeds of $2,260 generated from this event will go to Vegreville Food Bank.

There was also a free barbecue for all attendees and a Harvest Sale to enjoy.