2nd annual Gyoza eating contest in Los Angeles, CA update!!!

As time is winding down and I further delay my first food challenge (the friend that I had dared to eat 50 wings challenged me to the same feat), I realize I am running out of options for my trip down to Los Angeles, CA for the 2nd Annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival Gyoza Eating Championship. The event was originally held in 2006, where Joey Chestnut had narrowly beat Sonya Thomas, but was not contested in 2007 due to lack of sponsorship. I have heard nothing but great things about this event and I really do encourage anyone in the Los Angeles area, or even anyone in California and its neighboring states to check it out. Not only do you get to check out an annual celebration of Japanese and Japanese American Culture and Community (amazingly BEAUTIFUL culture, btw), but you get to see LIVE some of the best competitive eaters in the world stuffing their face with delicious gyoza. According to the press release from Cory Hayashi (event chair and competitor): "The event will take place Saturday, August 23 during the 68th Nisei Week Japanese Festival at 12:30 pm at the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center (JACCC) Plaza in the Little Tokyo District of Los Angeles at 244 S. San Pedro Street." You will see many of our elite eaters duke it out as well as a few amateurs thrown in. Some of you may not know this... but it has been confirmed that Joey Chestnut will be competing at the Gyoza contest, I spoke to the event chair, Cory, and Joey myself. Looks like we have another Joey and Pat matchup!!! As I scramble to scrape up money for a 5 hour long drive from San Jose to LA and finding a somewhat decent hotel to stay, I really do encourage everyone to check this out and help keep this event going for years to come. If there aren't enough people or sponsors for the event, the contest won't be happening! So if you have a day to spare, especially this Saturday, PLEASE come by the event! The more people there are, the merrier! If I miraculously find the funds and am able to trek down to LA, I'll definitely be checking out the festival and hopefully report about this Gyoza eating championship.