Filling oozes from a paczki at an eating competition in Hamtramck. (Credit: Fox 2 News)
HAMTRAMCK, Mich. (WJBK) -
Hamtramck is the Polish epicenter of metro Detroit. We were in search of paczki on this Fat Tuesday, but somehow ended up on stage at a bar with the Polish Muslims. The band was so loud that they blew a fuse.
"Just like Beyonce," one person said.
Obliging the crowd, I traded my neck tie for beads and a Mardi Gras hat.
Next we rushed over to the Polish League of American Veterans just in time for the paczki eating contest. I ingest one-third of a paczekand gave up. They're really like a jelly donut on steroids.
The real competitors chowed down for 15 minutes, and then reigning champion Mathew Holowicki defended his crown for the sixth consecutive year. He told me he ate 18 paczki. So Holowicki retains The Paczki Cup made of pots and pans.
"I told my girls I'd bring the cup home again this year and made good on that promise," he said.
Our journey ended at a bakery where the line was out the door. Why is that?
"They're awesome," said one customer.
"My question is why not," said another.
"Polish Catholics traditionally wanted to indulge themselves with fat and sugar and lard the last time they could before Lent starts and they have to give all that stuff up," a woman explained.
So that's Paczki Day -- sugar, music and libations.
Tuesday, June 11 2013 6:21 PM EDT2013-06-11 22:21:36 GMT
Balaal Hollings has become a media sensation for his inspiring words. The shooting victim walked across the stage at his high school graduation last week and has been receiving honors ever since.
Balaal Hollings has become a media sensation for his inspiring words. The shooting victim walked across the stage at his high school graduation last week and has been receiving honors ever since.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:26 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:26:37 GMT
Mitchell Young's trial got underway on Wednesday. He is accused in the murder of Robert Cipriano and the beatings of Robert's wife, Rose, and son, Sal.
Mitchell Young's trial got underway on Wednesday. He is accused in the murder of Robert Cipriano and the beatings of Robert's wife, Rose, and son, Sal.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:52 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:52:15 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:39 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:39:53 GMT
The state's school superintendent and treasurer could dissolve a deficit-ridden district and send the students to nearby schools under legislation narrowly approved Wednesday by a divided Michigan Senate.
The state's school superintendent and treasurer could dissolve a deficit-ridden district and send the students to nearby schools under legislation narrowly approved Wednesday by a divided Michigan Senate.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:33 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:33:24 GMT
Gov. Rick Snyder on Wednesday cut short his trade trip to Israel to return home and lobby reluctant fellow Republicans to expand Medicaid to more Michigan adults...
Gov. Rick Snyder on Wednesday cut short his trade trip to Israel to return home and lobby reluctant fellow Republicans to expand Medicaid to more Michigan adults, as the clock ticked before lawmakers break for the summer.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:21:00 GMT
Dequindre-Emery Playlot had become grossly overgrown. George Bearid said enough is enough and began mowing on Sunday. Now several neighbors have joined the effort to clean up the park.
Dequindre-Emery Playlot had become grossly overgrown. George Bearid said enough is enough and began mowing on Sunday. Now several neighbors have joined the effort to clean up the park.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:03 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:03:28 GMT
"I don't blame the clerk," Mike Duggan said as he ended his mayoral bid. Two courts ruled he cannot be on the ballot because he had not lived in Detroit for a year when he filed.
"I don't blame the clerk," Mike Duggan said as he ended his mayoral bid. Two courts ruled he cannot be on the ballot because he had not lived in Detroit for a year when he filed.
Filling oozes from a paczki at an eating competition in Hamtramck. (Credit: Fox 2 News)
