Every winter, the quirky town of Manitou Springs embraces an unabashedly quirky ritual: throwing fruitcake as far as humanly possible.

The 31st annual Manitou Springs Great Fruitcake Toss returns Saturday, from noon to 3 p.m. in Memorial Park, transforming one of the most polarizing desserts into the star of a community celebration.

For newcomers, the event can raise more questions than answers. Is this a serious competition or playful absurdity? How did fruitcake become the baked good of choice? Perhaps the most thought-provoking question: Is any of this fruitcake meant to be eaten?

Whether you plan to participate or simply watch, here’s what to know before stepping into one of Manitou Springs’ most beloved winter traditions. 

What happens at a fruitcake toss?

The Manitou Springs Fruitcake Toss is exactly as it sounds: people hurling fruitcake for fun. 

For throwers hoping for more than one attempt, extra tickets are available for purchase. While canned goods can also be traded in for tickets, there is a 10-ticket limit per family.

For spectators, no cake is required; simply watch, cheer or snap photos from the sidelines. If a cake is too tasty to fly, a bake-off is part of the festivities. To enter the competition, each submission must have flour, nuts and fruit, and the cake must be dropped off at the park between noon and 12:30 p.m.

How did tossing fruitcake become a tradition?

Who first looked at a fruitcake and said, “Let’s throw it?” 

According to Visit Colorado Springs, it started in 1996 when residents, tired of unwanted Christmas fruitcakes, decided to throw them in a park instead of trashing them. The simple act eventually evolved into a festival sponsored by bakeries and charities.

How competitive does it get? 

The fruitcake toss is family-friendly and for all ages, but there’s definitely a competitive vibe. Participants can test their skills in four categories: distance, accuracy, balance and basketcake aiming. 

Prizes are awarded for every age group, along with bragging rights.

Is it BYO fruitcake?

Many locals bring uneaten holiday fruitcake or make a new one for tossing. Once checked in, an inspection team will give it the green light for throwing.

No cake at home? No problem. Fruitcakes are available for “rent” for $5, often featuring dried fruit, toasted pecans, butter, candied cherries and more.

Is the fruitcake edible, or is it strictly a projectile pastry?

Let’s be honest, the same question is on every newcomer’s mind: Can you eat the fruitcake? The answer is yes; the event sponsor, Collin Street Bakery, will provide fruitcake samples.

What about all the leftover fruitcake? According to the event website, the leftover baked goods go to SunMountain Center, where friendly creatures, including Jezebel the pig, munch on the leftovers.

IF YOU GO

What: The Great Fruitcake Toss

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday

Where: Memorial Park, 502 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs

Price: General admission is $1, or attendees can bring canned goods for the Manitou Springs Food Pantry in exchange for entry. manitousprings.org

General admission is $1, or attendees can bring canned goods for the Manitou Springs Food Pantry in exchange for entry. Participants are welcome to bring their own fruitcake for the competition, though for those unprepared to sacrifice a loaf, $5 fruitcakes are also available for purchase.