Island Park first responders show off clam-eating skills

lenge.

The first responders’ challenge required no entry fee, but contestants must be firefighters, police, EMS or emergency managers. Cash prizes from that contest are split between the first responder’s home agency and that year’s charity. This year, Pete Adams won $2,500 for first place for Island Park Fire Department after eating 174 clams in seven minutes.

The open public challenge requires a $50 entry fee and the cash prizes, which go directly to the winner, are smaller than the prizes in the first responders’ challenge.

The contestants include competitive eaters from as far away as Florida. Joe Merchetti from Cheshire, Conn. won $1,000 for first place this year after eating 151 clams in five minutes.

“There’s no better feeling in the world,” Merchetti said.