Lansing, MI — Quality Dairy is proud to announce the return of Paczki Palooza, the ultimate celebration of Lansing’s favorite pre-Fat Tuesday tradition. This year’s paczki-eating showdown will take place on Friday, February 13 at 3:00 PM at the Reo Town Clubhouse, and promises to be the biggest and most exciting Paczki Palooza yet.
New for 2026, six contestants will compete in a five-minute paczki-eating contest, all battling for cash prizes benefiting their designated charities. The competition has expanded in both scope and spectacle, raising the stakes — and the fun — for participants and spectators alike.
Quality Dairy is excited to welcome LAFCU back as a co-sponsor of Paczki Palooza for the second consecutive year. In a continued show of community support, LAFCU has once again agreed to match Quality Dairy’s cash prizes for charity, effectively doubling grand prize, from $500 to $1000!
Adding to the indulgence, all Quality Dairy paczki flavors will be sampled at the event, and attendees are encouraged to come hungry. As an added bonus, everyone who attends will leave with a coupon for a complimentary four-pack of Quality Dairy paczki.
Meet the Contestants
This year’s lineup features a mix of returning champions, community leaders, and local personalities:
- Mark Lawrence – Chief of Staff for Mayor Schor | Representing Red Cross
- DeSean Whipple – DJ from Power 96.5 | Representing Haven House
- Akiem Harshman – Returning Champion | Representing Judson Memorial Baptist Church
- Halatu Musa – Food influencer | Representing the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence.
- Terry Stevens – Q106 | Representing National VFW Home
- Brian Farnham – Board President for Community Circle Players | Representing Riverwalk Theater
Unlike previous years, contestants were invited directly, allowing Quality Dairy to curate an exciting and diverse group of competitors.
The event will be televised by WILX, with live streaming on Quality Dairy’s Facebook page, ensuring fans can tune in whether attending in person or watching from home.
More than just a competition, Paczki Palooza also serves as the official kickoff to Quality Dairy’s 90th anniversary celebration, marking nine decades of serving the Greater Lansing community. Anniversary festivities and special moments will continue throughout the year.
The public is encouraged to attend, cheer on the contestants, enjoy paczki samples, and celebrate a beloved Lansing tradition that blends fun, food, and philanthropy.
Prizes:
- 1st place $1000 ($500 from QD, $500 from LAFCU)
- 2nd place $300 donated to their charity
- 3rd Place $200 donated to their charity
- 4th – 6th = $100 donated to their charity
For their participation each contestant will also receive a $50 Gift Card to QD.