The 2017 Festa Italiana in Syracuse has a new event: a meatball-eating contest. The organizers have invited several local media members to participate, according to Ginnie Lostumbo. Morning radio hosts for 93Q Ted Long and Amy Robbins will emcee and judge, Lostumbo said.

The contest will be at 12:30 p.m. on the first day of the festival, which runs Sept. 15 to Sept. 17. The festival is in downtown Syracuse, at the corner of Montgomery and Washington streets. The winner will be able to donate $500 from the festival toward a local charity of his or her choice.