The New York Arm Wrestling Association announced today that the Village Pourhouse (Award winning NYC Sports Bar) located at 64 Third Avenue at 11th Street in NYC, will host the 34th Annual NYC Big Apple Grapple International Arm Wrestling Championships on Saturday, April 30, 2011 beginning at 1 p.m. — Entry fees: $20 amateurs, $30 pros -– General admission is $5 Restrictions are 21 years-old and contestants should register and weigh-in early.

The event will feature over 100 of the world’s best arm wrestlers, both male and female, as they compete for the chance to be crowned NYC’s King and Queen of Arms. The day’s feature event is the 1 p.m. Charity Benefit Master’s 50+ years-old $2,000 BEST 3 OUT OF 5 MATCHES between 2010 World Arm Wrestling Champion Bobby Buttafuoco (Yes, Joey’s brother) from Rockville Centre, NY and Power Hand Strength Performer Frank ‘Iron Hands’ Malis from West Islip, NY who could bend bolts in seconds and rip two decks of cards in half. The winner will donate the cash winnings to charity – Buttafuoco: Paralized Vets of America –- Malis: Japan Relief Fund. Sponsors are Captain’s of Crush® Grippers and GBG Vitality, which is a liquid or chewable vitamin that promotes health and well-being from its vitamins and mineral enzymes.

– New York Arm Wrestling Association, press release.

Poor Bobby Buttafuoco. Guy’s just trying to establish himself in New York’s competitive arm wrestling ranks while raising money for charity and he still can’t escape the shadow of his brother. I bet he wishes he had a less distinctive surname.

Full disclosure: I am also from Rockville Centre, NY, as you might know, and though I’ve never met either Buttafuoco brother, a friend of my used to babysit for Bobby’s kids. Apparently he was a very nice guy and not at all lecherous.