Each year, the Boothbay Harbor region hosts many fundraisers for good causes; but the Wannawaf waffle eating contest is in a class all by itself. With disregard to personal health, the brave and the hungry forgo utensils and dig into bowls piled high with tasty waffles, ice cream and toppings before a cheering crowd, all in the name of charity.

Wannawaf’s annual event may also be the only local fundraiser with its own superhero, Waffle Girl, a.k.a., Wannawaf owner Anya Arsenault, overseeing the day’s activities.

This year, the rain on August 3 gave way to bright, sunny skies just in time for some serious eating. Wannawaf manager Matt Forgues and crew scrambled to keep up with the flow of contestants, pulling together more picnic tables and turning out waffle after waffle for the assembled crew of 28 diners.

Meanwhile, BRCTV’s Larry Brown made the rounds, interviewing everyone he could find, so the event could be shared with the wider community.  Once the eating began, an enthusiastic crowd cheered on the contestants as they made their way through three rounds of mindless consumption.

By the end of the match, Wes Bare, who finished first in each round, was crowned top waffle eater and awarded the $200 prize. Jon Lewis and Dave Cyco, placed second and third respectively.

Nick Scott, known locally for his teaching, coaching and running skills, showed he is also a fine eater. Scott made it to the final round but was finally edged out by more seasoned competitors.

Wannawaf owner and contest creator, Anya Arsenault said the waffle eating contest, 50/50 raffle and silent auction raised over $4,000 for the Scott family. Mandy Scott, who is currently undergoing treatment for colon cancer, mingled with friends and family before and during the event; and with baby Emma, she cheered on the competitors.

In the spirit of the event, Bare turned over half of his winnings and recent BRHS graduate Lynn Pawlowski donated her entire share of the 50/50 raffle to the Scott family.

“Each year we do this event I am  touched by the generosity of our local business owners and the continuous support of the community,” Arsenault said. “This year I am most proud of Matt Forgues and the rest of the Boothbay Harbor Wannawaf crew.”

Forgues, a former local high school running star, was coached by Nick Scott and not only suggested the Scotts be this year’s beneficiaries, he managed to organize the most successful Wannawaf fundraiser to date.

“It was our best contest ever,” Arsenault said. “Matt has been part of the Wannawaf team for seven years so he certainly understands the spirit of the contest and why we give back, but I think more than ever before Matt was inspired by Mandy Scott herself.”

To show your support for the Scotts or to make a contribution visit the Wannawaf Facebook page or stop by Wannawaf, located just below Andrews’ Harborside near the footbridge.

Sue Mello can be reached at 207-844-4629 or suemello@boothbayregister.com.