Smoothie Drinking Contest Turns Art Show in Manasquan

There are a ton of food eating contests, but never any smoothie drinking contests, was what Re-juiceanation owner Horout Dermenjian thought when he first started the annual smoothie drinking contest.

On Saturday, Manasquan saw Re-juiceanation’s 5th Annual Smoothie Drinking Contest. This year was the first time the event has been an art show and a charity event as well.

“I’ve always loved watching food type eating contests and that’s what gave me the idea for the smoothie drinking contest. I’ve never seen anything that involved drinking something and our main product is smoothies,” said Dermenjian.

The contest rules were simple: whoever could drink the most smoothies in eight minutes would win. It was limited to 12 contestants for easy judging. Contestants started off with 8 smoothies each. Manhattan resident Tony Haddad took home the $500 cash prize and championship, breaking a contest record with his drinking of 10 smoothies.

Patty Kowsowsky of Manasquan watched her son and Re-juiceanation employee compete.

“It was a proud moment,” she joked. “I hope he didn't get sick,” said Kowsowsky.

In addition to the smoothie drinking contest, several young artists displayed their work in an art show and activities for kids such as mini golf and seashell painting were had. Reggae band Random Test entertained.

Artist Dave Majowicz, 26, from Toms River was pleased with the turn out. As a young artist, he said it’s hard to get into shows.

“You have to be more established,” added Majowicz.

On display he mainly had art of his favorite thing to design— people. While they all exhibited great craftsmanship, one that stood out from the pack was an untitled abstract piece, a piece much different than his usual designs.

“It’s not my natural instinct. I’m more into the fine arts and try to get in as much detail as possible,” said Majowicz of the colored pencil piece that used several different shapes, variations of curves and colors.

“It took me at least 40 hours. I wanted to orchestrate madness. If you look at it closely, it’s very geometric yet all over,” he said.

Another young artist in the show was Becky Burt, 25, Brick. Burt creates a lot of beach scenes from the inspiration of what she saw while studying art in Hawaii. Many of her pieces combine photos that she developed to a backdrop with sparkles.

“I take pictures then get them developed and cut them out and add sparkles,” said Burt.

In total, about 300 people attended the event throughout the day. Laura Wall of Manasquan brought her daughter Ralee, 9, along who was enjoying some sea shell painting while waiting for the surf board raffle.

“She’s excited for the surf board raffle. This is the first time we’ve been here and there’s community and things for the kids to do,” said Wall.

Many vendors and artists donated raffle items according to Dermenjian. The surf board was one of them.

All proceeds of the event benefited charities Gifted Hands and the Zocchi Foundation, a total of nearly $2,000.