Pizza Palooza, the ultimate event for the pizza connoisseur, is back at Blossom Heath Park in St. Clair Shores for the second year.

Sponsored by the Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores, the event was the brainchild of club member Bryan Owens who definitely considers himself a huge pizza connoisseur. Last year, the first-ever event was held on Fourth of July Sunday and given that it was the holiday weekend, Owens wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of turnout.

“I was hoping we would get at least 500 people and we ended up getting almost 2,000,” Owens said. “This year we know what to expect and we are better organized.”

In addition to a wide array of round, square and gluten-free pizza there will be dessert trucks selling a little something to top off your meal. Also new for this year there will be a magician performing as well as a disc jockey spinning tunes.

“It is going to be a good time,” said Owens.

This year, the event is scheduled for Sunday, July 20 from 12-6 p.m. It promises to be bigger and filled with even more pepperoni than before. So far, 13 different pizza vendors have committed to participate and Owens expects that may increase by the date of the event.

Attendees can vote for their favorite pizza and awards will be given for the best square, round and gluten free pizza. There will also be a judges and a people’s choice winner.

Last year Detroit Style Pizza Company won in three categories: best round pizza, best gluten free pizza and best overall pizza. Philly’s Original Cheesesteaks took best square pizza honors and Ray’s Pizzeria was the people’s choice for top pizza in the city.

“I’m considering the idea of having a mayor’s choice award this year but I understand that Mayor Kip Walby is unable to attend,” said Owens. “But Dave Rubello is the mayor pro-tem so he could handle it and I know that he also is a huge pizza fan.

“He likes to compare everything to his mom’s homemade pizza.”

Owens said Pizza Palooza is a great way to come out and sample different pizzas you’ve been wanting to try and maybe find a new favorite.

“It is a great way for people to try something new without spending the money for an entire pizza that you may or may not like,” Owens said.

Last year’s event raised $16,000 with $9,000 going to the family of 4-year-old William Kemp, a local child with Level 3 autism, global developmental delay, and receptive-expressive language disorder. He is non-verbal and struggles with intense sensory challenges.

The donation from the St. Clair Shores Optimist Club was used to pay for stem cell therapy for Kemp that has emerged as a promising treatment for children with severe autism.

Kemp has undergone two rounds of stem cell therapy in Florida and has experienced some milestones. He has been able to speak, he can count to 20 and recognize colors, and he is able to engage with his sister.

“He needs more treatments so we are giving the proceeds to the Kemp family again this year,” Owens said. “He has shown so much improvement and has been able to interact more with his sister and was able to say ‘I love you mama’ which just pulls at everyone’s heartstrings.”

Pizza Palooza tickets are sold at the gate and are $3 each or 4 for $10. One ticket gets you one slice of pizza. Non-alcoholic beverages including pop and water will be available for purchase.

“What I love about this is that it benefits everyone; people have a good time, the family can get treatment for their son and the local pizza restaurants can promote their pies,” Owens said.