Shawnee Co. Fair’s pickle eating contest tests strength and stomachs

OPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) — Shawnee County Fair goers put their stomachs to the test at this years pickle eating contest.

“The worst part is it actually takes your breath away. It’s not just hot, it takes your breath away and it’s good they give you water so you can catch your breath and keep moving,” said contestant Bobbi Luttjohn.

The idea isn’t how many, but how fast, as contestants race to see who can bare to finish their pickle first.

Winning the contest does involve a cash prize, but the grimacing faces, and weak stomachs are what keep fans and participants wanting in on the action.

“It is very popular. We get a big crowd, we get a lot of people cheering their favorite pickle eater on,” said Shawnee County Fair Association Treasurer, Karen Kelly.

Contestants ages 7 to 17 eat one classic whole dill pickle. The competition heats up for the adults who have to eat Porubsky’s special hot pickles made from their secret recipe.

“Porubsky’s donated three jars. They’ve prepared them, they’ve cut them up, cause I don’t want to touch them. They’re that hot that I wear three layers of gloves to take them out of the jar.”

As the 2015 pickle eating champion Bobbi Luttjohn says the key is perseverance.

“I think I just inhaled them as fast as I could to get the pain over quickly,” said Luttjohn.