Pizza Palooza comes out of the oven Friday

BLADE STAFF

Laney Bauman, 2, said she liked all the pizza while working her way through multiple slices at this year's North West Ohio Pizza Palooza Friday evening at Centennial Terrace in Sylvania. Bauman came with her mother and brother to test out various pizza's from local vendors. Pizza Palooza continues Saturday at the same location. It will be open from 4 p.m. to midnight.

Nine restaurants will battle against each other to find out who has the best pizza in northwest Ohio during this year’s Pizza Palooza.

Presented by the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sylvania Area Joint Recreation District, the event is expected to draw more than 12,000 guests, beginning at 5 p.m. Friday at Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Rd., Sylvania.

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The event features a people’s choice and judge’s awards. Previous contenders, including Amie’s-Mancino’s Pizza, Charlie’s Pizza, Jet’s Pizza, Jo Jo’s Pizzeria, and Vito’s Pizza, will compete against new competitors, Mama Mary’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Pizza Papalis of Toledo and PizzAroma, for awards.

Local chefs will judge a corporate/media pizza contest at Centennial Terrace where trophies will be awarded. Judging finals at noon Friday are open to the public.

Kathy LaVoy, left, and Sue Thanasiu tended bar wearing pizza themed hats Friday evening during this year's North West Ohio Pizza Palooza at Centennial Terrace in Sylvania. In addition to pizza from multiple restaurants, the event features children's activities.

Admission tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 5-12, and children under 5 are free. Vendors will be selling pizza until midnight Friday and from 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday. Slices will be sold for between $1.50 and $2 per slice.

Advance tickets are available at the Metamora State Bank, Sylvania Vet, Ace Neighborhood Hardware on Main Street, and the Sylvania Area Chamber Office, 5632 N. Main St.

Musical entertainment will also be featured at the festival. The Chris Shutters Band, Johnny Rocker, and The Hitman and Boffo will entertain crowds on Friday, with Mt. Fuji and the Eruptions, Kentucky Chrome, and Booyah, playing on Saturday.

Children’s activities will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. each dayand will feature clowns, face painting, and activities from Imagination Station, YMCA/JCC, Kid’s Watch, Over the Rainbow Early Learning Center, and The Bouncy Thing.

Funds raised from the event will benefit both the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce and the Sylvania Area Joint Recreation District.

For more information, visitsylvaniachamber.org.