Pizza contest to help children with cancer

A Northport pizzeria is seeking contestants for its upcoming pizza-eating contest that will benefit a children's cancer charity.

Nina's Pizzeria is holding its ninth annual contest on Saturday for two-member teams. Each team will tackle a 30-inch plain cheese pizza and try to consume it the fastest. Last year's winning time was 17 minutes.

Artie Berke, who with his wife, Lynne, owns Nina's, said each team must raise at least $100, which will be given to the St. Baldrick's Foundation, based in Monrovia, Calif. The foundation raises money for childhood cancer research.

A short stretch of Main Street, between Norwood and Laurel avenues, will be closed for the event beginning at noon, and the pizza-eating contest will start at 2 p.m.

Berke said the event will include a festival for children, including slides and face-painting.

Teams can sign up for the contest on the day of the event or in advance on St. Baldrick's website, stbaldricks.org/events/ninaspizza. For more information, visit the website or contact Nina's Pizzeria at 631-261-6822.