Spiedie Fest ends three-day stretch with meals, enjoyable and a household’s tribute

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) – Spiedie Fest concluded its three-day run, drawing crowds for rides, actions, sizzling air balloons, cooking competitions and a 5K held in reminiscence of a Southern Tier girl.

The pageant, constructed round its signature sandwich, expanded effectively past meals this yr. Attendees took half in cooking competitions — with no less than one setting a modest bar for achievement.

“It needs to be edible. That’s what we need. We need to not give anybody food poisoning. That’s our goal here today,” WBNG reporters Andrew Fried and Kyle Spisak mentioned.

A sport of tic-tac-toe with a New York State Trooper additionally drew a crowd.

“I’m locked in, I can’t afford to lose this,” WBNG reporter Gabby Womack mentioned. “Aw man, I don’t think any of us win,”

Beyond the video games and meals, the weekend included the Kelly LaBare 5K, a race held in reminiscence of a Southern Tier girl whereas elevating consciousness about cardiac well being.

Byron LaBare, co-director of the Kelly LaBare 5K, mentioned the occasion was created to honor his sister and begin a broader dialog about coronary heart well being.

“We needed to have a 5K in memory of my sister. A lot of awareness around cardiac issues, cardiac events, speaking to families to educate,” LaBare mentioned.

Despite climate uncertainty heading into the weekend, the pageant continued with out important disruption.

“ Mother Nature did let up on us a little bit,” Womack mentioned. “I’m really excited that we get to have some clear weather for right now. But we’re having a great time out here.”

For distributors and organizers, the draw of the pageant comes down to at least one factor.

“It’s the customers. It’s always nice to see our customers,” President of Sam A. Lupo and Sons, Sam Lupo mentioned.

“Everybody contributes, and that’s what this is supposed to be,” President and Founder of Rob Salamida Company, Rob Salamida, mentioned.