Teams use canned or boxed foods to build their structures, based on a theme. The theme this year is, “Hunger Games” and will be held at the Rouman Cinema starting Saturday, Nov. 16.

Past themes have been “Spring into Action”, “Don’t Toy with Hunger” and “Shine A Light on Hunger.” Past teams from organizations are diverse as: Associated Bank, RHS Key Club, WJFW-TV, WDNR/U.W.EXT. and the High School Building Trades have built creations such as a riding mower, a Mister Potato Head, a Chevrolet and a lighthouse.

These creations are on display and are judged on a criteria including creativity, complexity and the use of color. At the close of the competition, prizes are awarded for Judges’ Choice, People’s Choice and Most Cans Used Following the Theme. All of the food used in the structures is donated to The Pantry for distribution.

The 2013 CANtastic event will be held in November at the Rouman Cinema. Previous events have occurred in the spring, but this year both date and location have been moved. The 2013 theme “Hunger Games” was chosen at the conclusion of the 2012 event. With the release of the second movie in the Hunger Games series, “Catching Fire” this November, it was decided to move this year’s CANtastic event to the Rouman Cinema to coincide with the presentation of this movie.

This year’s Build Day will be Saturday, Nov. 16, and the CANtastic creations will be on display for three weeks to allow the public to view and judge them. It is hoped that the date change will allow more teams to participate. Competition is open to any group/organization (clubs, schools, Scouts, churches, businesses, etc.) in the Rhinelander area and financial assistance is available to help teams purchase the necessary food for their structure. Teams should begin planning now and register your structure plant soon.

For more information, call Guy Hansen at 715-282-5810 or visit www.rhinelanderareafoodpantry.org.