Taming the beast, saluting the customers
Lars Jacobson and Mike Kupper addressing the pizza eating contest participants.
Photos by TONIA BROOKS The Jacobson family from left: Burgandy, Madison & Will Parker (with Darian in front), Sydney, Emma Parker, Larsen, Aiden, Jordawn, Ryann, Lars, Wendy, and Landen.
Photo by TONIA BROOKS A few of the cars present during the classic car show.
Spectators stop and talk with car show participants.
The winning team of pizza eaters and recipients of the $500 prize of the “Tame the Beast” pizza eating contest, courtesy of Simple Simon’s Pizza.
Photo by TONIA BROOKS Teams were cheered on to finish the 29 inch pies faster than the others to win the $500 cash prize.
Photo by TONIA BROOKS Contest judges were carefully watching to make sure all pizza was eaten before choosing the winner.
PORTHILL — The Porthill event at newly named Jake’s Landing was a collaborative effort put forth by Mike Kupper of Simple Simon’s Pizza and new owners of the Porthill businesses, Lars and Wendy Jacobson and family.
Free hot dogs and nachos were available to guests of the Porthill event hosted by Lars and Wendy Jacobson along with their nine — out of 10 — children and one grandchild.
Mike Kupper, new owner of Simple Simon’s Pizza, was present to host the Tame the Beast pizza eating contest with a cash prize of $500.
“I thought in order to help Lars and Wendy, it would be fun to have a team contest. This would bring more people to his event and car show,” said Kupper.
The pizza eating contest garnered four teams of pizza eating contestants. One of those teams was comprised of local area firefighters, who ultimately beat out the other three teams by eating their 29-inch pizza, and won the $500 cash prize.
“It was a close call,” reported Kuper. “The firefighters won it and deserved the win.”
There were no registration fees for the classic car show in which winners were presented with a trophy and cash prizes as well. Cars from Idaho and varied places in Canada were on display.
“We had about 38 cars registered for the car show this year,” said Lars Jacobson. “This is a huge improvement over the past year in which only 10 cars were present.”
The two new Boundary County business owners have combined their efforts to help each other promote their respective businesses.
“We want people to know our family, and what we are trying to accomplish as a family oriented destination spot,“ said Lars Jacobson.
One of the family oriented changes being made to the Porthill businesses is to redesign the bar and grill.
“The changes will reflect less of a bar and more of a family atmosphere,” said Lars Jacobson.
The old bar and grill building will become an event hall available for rent. The Package Depot, fuel islands, and convenience store will remain open for regular daily business.