Fruitcake Toss

Happy Fruitcake Toss Day! This is a real Thing. While the date is up for debate, the tradition has been alive for 27 years, so, naturally, Mason and I had to participate in our own way…

Panettone

Yet another debate ensues. Is panettone a fruitcake? Some say yes, some (mostly the Italians) say no. Technically, it is cake and it contains fruit, so sure, it’s a fruitcake. But, it isn’t dense and brandied and terrible. A panettone isn’t left uneaten (they are delicious!) and it isn’t regifted. Typically our family will go through several panettone cakes each holiday season.

Except not this year.

For some reason, only one slice was eaten. Willa straight up didn’t like it, Mason doesn’t like the fruit pieces and couldn’t be bothered to pick them out, and David just didn’t notice. Maybe my healthier eating habits are rubbing off?

In any case, we decided that for lack of a proper fruitcake, our panettone would be a suitable stand-in for this important holiday.

Fruitcake Toss

In its 27th year, the Fruitcake Toss is an annual tradition celebrated in Manitou Springs, CO. It started with locals throwing fruitcakes in the park, but has grown to an annual event with a wide draw.

My fun holidays calendar shows it as being celebrated each January 3, which made both Mason and I sad because we’d love to go to the actual event. HOWEVER the Manitou Springs website has the event slated for January 22nd this year. Maybe the date has changed over the years?

With this new piece of information, we might have to go!

We had more fun than one should destroying our sad panettone at home, but hands down the full event is up our alley! Catapults, trebuchets, slingshots, and fruitcakes. This is a yes!

Happy Fruitcake Toss Day

No matter which date is correct, grab a fruitcake and get tossing! You know you’re not going to eat it, and please don’t regift it. Go have fun!

All images © 2022 Carey Martin

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