Everyone has a convenience store snack they’ll defend to the end. This Thursday, those loyalties head to a downtown park, where Torontonians will gather to crown the city’s ultimate budget snack champion.
Hosted by @StreetCents, the event challenges participants to build the best convenience store snack combo they can for $5 or less.
Watching is completely free, but there are a few ground rules if you’re entering. Every snack combo must come from a convenience store, grocery store or local bakery, and you’ll need to show your receipt to prove you stuck to the $5 budget. Sweet, savoury or delightfully weird is fair game — but leave the ice cream at home. July heat and melted scoops don’t make for a winning entry.
Sadly, the entries are for judging only, so don’t expect to sample the competition. Bring your own snacks if you think you’ll get hungry because every attendee gets three voting stickers to award to their favourite $5 creation.
If you’re going to enter, get there early. The first 20 competitors to check in will receive a free mini portrait by local artist Jas Boyd. The winner takes home a trophy, a gift bag and, perhaps more importantly, neighbourhood bragging rights. Organizers are also promising a few mystery challenges throughout the evening.
The event takes place on Thursday, July 16, at Simcoe Park, between the CBC Broadcast Centre and the Ritz-Carlton. It kicks off at 5:30 p.m., with snack entries due by 6:30 p.m. before the winner is crowned at 7 p.m. There’s no need to register ahead of time, though organizers appreciate an RSVP. If rain rolls in, the event will move to the covered area on the east side of the CBC building.