Pizza Palooza returns

SYLVANIA — The Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 11th annual Pizza Palooza from 5-11 p.m. July 21-22 at Centennial Terrace, 5773 Centennial Road. An estimated crowd of over 8,000 guests is expected to attend and vote for their favorite Northwest Ohio pizza restaurant in this annual contest featuring both people's and judge's choice awards. The nine pizza vendors vying for the title of best pizza restaurant in northwest Ohio include Bambino's, Half Time, Romeo's, Mama Mary's, Vikings Pizzeria, Jet's Pizza, J-Cups, Dandino's and Bombay Kitchen. Guests will also be able to satisfy their sweet tooth at booths setup by Mayberry Ice Cream, Susie Lynne's Lemonade and Olde Tyme Kettle Korn. Voting will take place on location via iPad. Event-goers are given one vote for the duration of the event. Attendees can vote onsite both Friday and Saturday via iPad at the Voting Booth. Voting will close at 8:45 p.m. on July 22 and People's Choice Awards will be awarded after votes are tallied. The event is honoring long-time participant Jim Jacob, founder of J-Cups Pizza who lost his battle with cancer in 2019 by presenting the 3rd Annual "Jim Jacob Strength and Spirit Award." The staff of the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce and Centennial Terrace will identify the individual, pizza vendor or sponsor who shows great sportsmanship, outstanding attitude, sense of camaraderie, and high integrity — all characteristics that Jacob possessed each year at Pizza Palooza and in his daily character. Palooza enthusiasts and music lovers will enjoy fabulous musical entertainment featuring local bands both Friday and Saturday evening. The event is presented by Grogan's Towne Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Charlie's Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram and Sofo Foods. Families can enjoy their pizza and plenty of activities in the Kid's Zone from 5-9 p.m. each day. This area will include face painting, a bounce house, Legos and more. Admission is $6 for attendees 13 and older, children under 12 are free. Advance tickets will available in the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce office located at 5632 N. Main St. Pizza vendors will sell cheese or pepperoni and specialty pizza by the slice with the option to also purchase a whole pizza.