Delco tattoo artist wins Scrapple Sculpting Contest in Philadelphia with Tush Push carving.

At the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, the second annual Scrapple Sculpting Contest unfolded on Friday, showcasing a unique confluence of culinary creativity and artistic expression. Contestants, armed with five-pound blocks of scrapple—a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dish made from pork scraps, cornmeal, buckwheat, and spices—spent 90 minutes meticulously creating sculptures. The competition drew an eclectic group of participants, including a high school student, a former ice carver, and a tattoo artist, among others.

Judging the contest was Sasha Suda, CEO and director of the Philadelphia Art Museum, who evaluated each sculptor’s efforts and described the event as an extraordinary fusion of art and food, a testament to Philadelphia’s vibrant culinary scene. Suda remarked that the sheer creativity on display redefined the artistic possibilities of scrapple, a dish often viewed through a more traditional lens.

After considerable deliberation, Patrick Moser emerged victorious with his ambitious sculpture, the “Mush Push,” a tribute to the Philadelphia Eagles’ famous Tush Push play. Moser, a tattoo artist from Delaware County, expressed surprise at his win, particularly since it marked his first experience with sculpting. His creation was praised for pushing the boundaries of scrapple as an artistic medium. As part of the prize, Moser received a trophy named “Scrappy” and a 0 gift card for the Reading Terminal Market.

The competition attracted not only locals but also tourists and military personnel in town to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marine Corps. Spectators were captivated by the event, often expressing curiosity about scrapple itself, with some mistaking it for tofu or kinetic sand. Bill and Cookie Perry from Vancouver attended after learning about the contest online. While Bill was familiar with the dish, Cookie admitted she had never encountered scrapple before.

As a lead-up to the market’s upcoming Scrapple and Apple Festival, this contest celebrated Philadelphia’s culinary heritage while allowing contestants to showcase their creativity. The festival will feature an array of innovative scrapple dishes, including scrapple tater tots and chocolate chip scrapple cookies. Following the competition, the sculptures will be displayed again during the festival and will ultimately be composted. This blending of art and cuisine illustrates the quirky yet meaningful ways that local culture continues to engage and intrigue citizens and visitors alike.

For food lovers and art enthusiasts, the Reading Terminal Market remains a hub of creativity, fostering connections among diverse communities while celebrating a unique aspect of Pennsylvania’s rich culinary history.

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