(Michigan City, IN) - Friday was National Donut Day, which dates back to WWI. Salvation Army members became quite popular during the Great War by delivering, among other things, homemade donuts to American soldiers on the front lines.
The Michigan City Salvation Army celebrated the day with their 9th Annual Donut Eating Contest. It was standing-room-only at Blue Chip Casino to cheer on the eaters.
13 contestants gathered to challenge returning champion Indiana State Trooper Ken Payonk, who last year set the record of downing 16 donuts in 10 minutes. Competitive eater Landon Roberts from Warsaw also competed.
In a bit of an upset, New Prairie High School Athletic Director Ben Bachmann was the winner, edging out Roberts. Bachmann put away 11 donuts. He represented the Phi Delta Kappa service fraternity.
Proceeds from the contest go towards Salvation Army programs.
