Who Remembers The Annual Nomarama Slider Competitions?
What exactly were the Annual Nomarama Slider 🍔Competitions? 👀
The Nomarama Slider Competition was a loaded foodie fanatics burger playground where local and regional burger purveyors would meet up to host the 757’s most anticipated burger gauntlet and fight for the rights to take home to coveted ‘Golden Spatula’🙌🏾
What was once a dream I had back in 2015 turned into a 5 year running annual event that changed the food event landscape in Norfolk.
[Nomarama Slider Competition News Coverage]
The Virginian Pilot -“Norfolk craft brewer to host Nomarama's annual slider Competition”
WVEC 13 News Now- “Norfolk slider competition grows into a tasty tradition”
I remember my very first event, truth be told I had no idea what I was doing👀. I had a general goal which was to bring people, beer and great local food together while encouraging some healthy competition, community activation mixed with some great fun and philanthropy.
I set out, found the venue, recruited all the competitors [based on my personal vetting & eating a lot of burgers 🍔 😂] and sold out of 100 tickets in less than an hour… The event was a smash hit right from jump! Burgers were flying, craft brews 🍻were flowing vibes were set and the energy was unmatched!
People of all colors, shapes and sizes came out to support a unique take on supporting local business and fundraising. Fundraising that ended up being poured right back into the community THOUSANDS of dollars at a time. At one point the 2017 2nd Annual event did so well that we were able to donate $5,000 to the local Foodbank Of Southeastern VA which equaled out to 14,283 meals for our families & friends in need!
As I take the this morning to reflect I remember just what an amazing ride it was. People ask me often if I’d bring it back and to be honest I don’t really know. But what I do know is I’m always brainstorming and dreaming up new things everyday… who knows what the future holds right 🤷🏾♂️
Let this be a reminder to always dream bigger than yourself. Like a bedtime story I read Leo the other day, “even the smallest person can make a change”✊🏾
Photos from:
Mike Washington & Chris Stoll