Hot And Cold: Chili Pepper Eating And Ice Cream Eating Contests Coming To Hoboken

HOBOKEN, NJ — Are you an extreme eater, or do you just like to watch?

Either way, two upcoming events in Hoboken are guaranteed to amuse, and you can enter the competitions if you want.

A new charity chili pepper-eating competition will benefit a non-profit that gives computers to needy kids. And the second annual ice cream eating contest this weekend is sure to please.

Here are the details:

Ice Cream Contest This Weekend: Mile Square Meltdwon

The second annual Mile Square Meltdown comes to Hoboken this Sunday.

It will be part of the monthly Main Street Pops market, which features 60 local vendors under the 14th Street Viaduct.

Besides the contest, an ice cream bar with sundae toppings will be available at the market, for a price.

Proceeds will be donated to the Hoboken Family Alliance to support the annual summer food drive.

The contest, at 1333 Madison St., is organized by Main Street Pops, Dark Side of the Moo, and the Hoboken Family Alliance.

Enter the contest or get the rules and more details here.

First Hoboken Pepper Festival For Nonprofit Founded By Hoboken Teen

A non-profit founded by a Hoboken teen, Computers 4 People, will host what they promise will be a spicy and "sizzling good time" for all ages on Oct 7.

The first annual Hoboken Pepper Fest will take place from 1-5 p.m. at 256 Willow Ave., Hoboken.

"This fiery festival promises an unforgettable day of chili pepper madness, live music, games, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and all-around family-friendly fun," said an announcement by founder Dylan Zajac.

Zajac was a teen when he founded Computers 4 People, volunteering to fix computers and give them to youths and nonprofit organizations who needed them.

The group noted in a press release, "Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Odyssey Elixir are official sponsors of Hoboken Pepper Fest. By participating in this event, you are supporting Computers 4 People’s mission to provide equal access to technology for underserved populations."

Zajac noted, “Technology is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. The Hoboken Pepper Fest serves as a platform to showcase the importance of equal access to technology!”

Computers 4 People has donated 2,196 computers, reused 21,713 pounds of e-waste, and
provided 1,165,080 hours of internet to under-resourced communities in NJ and NYC.

Event Highlights:

• Chili Pepper Eating Competition at 3 p.m.: Think you can handle the heat? Put your taste buds to the test in our chili pepper eating competition and stand a chance to win fantastic prizes.
• 1st place takes home $500, 2nd place wins $250, and 3rd place walks away with $100. Live Music: Enjoy the rhythm and vibes as talented local musicians take the stage to entertain the crowd throughout the event.
• Games: Get competitive with a variety of entertaining games suitable for all ages. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.
• Food & Drinks: Satisfy your cravings with an array of delectable food options and quench your thirst with refreshing beverages. Discover a wide range of culinary delights to satisfy every palate.

Tickets: General Admission and Contestant Tickets are available for $19 and $29, including a meal voucher, with the option to purchase additional meal tickets for $9.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.computers4people.org/hobok...