Jarvis Recaptures Cannoli Crown in Little Italy

Edward Cookie Jarvis delivered an emphatic performance at the International Cannoli Eating Championship that was held today at the 78th Annual Feast of San Gennaro in New York's Little Italy.

Nearly 1,000 festival goers watched and cheered as Tim Janus, Brian Subich, Tim Holden, Crazy Legs Conti and others battled the big man for the cannoli crown.

But Cookie held the lead throughout, confident and steadfast. After six minutes he had consumed 26 large cannoli -- the good kind, the kind made by the best Italian bakery in town, Ferrara's on Mulberry Street.

"What a way to kick off the feast," exclaimed Bob Liff, who calls himself the world's greatest eating fan. "I am the world's greatest eating fan and this contest is the highlight of my year."

The 78th Annual Feast of San Gennaro will runs through Sunday, September 25, 2005. Presented annually since 1996 by Figli di San Gennaro, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, this year’s Feast will again bring more than 1 million people to the streets of Little Italy in the annual salute to the Patron Saint of Naples. The street festivities include parades, entertainment and food stands.

The 2005 Feast of San Gennaro will be bringing the world to Little Italy, and Little Italy to the world," said Frank Macchiarola, President of Figli di San Gennaro, Inc. "It is a time for remembrance and reconciliation, and a time for celebration. The good food, the free musical entertainment and the excitement will all be there."

It seems clear now that sweet-eating specialist Cookie Jarvis (a man-mountain of Italian descent) is the greatest cannoli eater of all time. While some fans think Badlands Booker is the greatest, it would appear that they haven't looked at the numbers because Cookie holds the record with 26, the most ever eaten in six minutes.

Much to the pleasure of the crowd, Badlands was on hand for the event. He rapped a little and also passed the Championship belt to his pal Cookie.