Can you say ‘YUM’? Avon-Avon Lake Rotary Pizza Bake off is Thursday

Hungry? Love Pizza? Then you won’t want to miss the sixth annual pizza bake-off this Thursday at Avon Lake High School, benefitting the Avon-Avon Lake Rotary Club. The event features seven pizza vendors from Avon and Avon Lake.

The annual event, which draws more than 700 hungry pizza lovers each year, is Oct. 4 from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Avon Lake High School Commons, just before the Homecoming Rally. It is expected to raise more than $3,000 for the non-profit club's programs.

“We are welcoming a new vendor this year, Antonio’s Pizza from Avon located in the Marc’s Plaza,” Frank Krempasky, club and foundation treasurer said.

The 2011 winners were People’s Choice – Romeo’s of Avon Lake, Best Pepperoni – Doughboy’s of Sheffield Lake and Best Specialty Pizza – Coleones of Avon.  Coleones had won peoples choice three years in a row prior to last year.

This year’s contestants include Antonio’s, Cici's, Coleones, Doughboy’s, Marco’s and Romeo’s pizza parlors. Take your favorites for a taste drive in your mouth and then cast a vote for the best.

“For the third year running the Lorain County JVS culinary program is going to be featuring a mystery dessert pizza as an education partner in the event,” Krempasky said.

Cost is $10 (adults) for all-you-can-eat. Cost is $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets, which include a soft drink, are available at the door.  

Proceeds benefit the Avon/Avon lake Rotary Foundation Inc. Scholarship Fund.

"We awarded five $1,000 scholarships last year to students at Avon Lake, Avon and Brookside high schools," Krempasky said. "We also sent kids to the World Community Workshop and the Hugh O’Brien Leadership Camp with the money we raised last year. We also support a Rotary Interact Club that originated at Brookside that is similar to the Kiwanis Key Club.