Скачать или смотреть Celebrity Tomato Eating Contest

Talk about an amazing day and a big check off my bucket list! I’ve always wanted to compete in a food-eating contest—chicken wings or donuts were what I imagined. Ever since I saw the sign for the Tomato Fest in Jacksonville, Texas, I’ve been looking forward to the Celebrity Food Eating Contest. I even showed up early to snag a front-row seat.

Imagine my surprise when two contestants didn’t show up and I was selected to compete! I went head-to-head with the mayor, the mayor’s assistant, a middle school choir teacher, a news reporter, an EMS worker, other business owners, and last year’s 2nd runner-up “loser” (who gave me what I thought was an insider tip to start with the small tomato). First place went to Stephen, owner of ACE Hardware in Jacksonville, Texas—congratulations! I’m pretty sure you started with the bigger tomato, which made the last bite a little easier.

After eating five large, juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes and losing, we explored over 500 local vendors. The food was incredible—fried pickles were a knockout, along with local jerky, fresh pork rinds, cakes, pies, candies, and golden jars of spicy honey. My tastebuds were dancing with delight as I sampled sweet, savory, and spicy treats all afternoon.
The festival was free to attend! We even enjoyed free parking. I also discovered local organic soaps made with goat milk, insulated cups with built-in speakers, creative t-shirts, handmade birdhouses, and even fishing pole-style hot dog and marshmallow flippers. The men found a local beard oil company with fantastic products, including some great lotions.
I’m so impressed with the products and services this great state has to offer. Not only can I shop local, but the passion and creativity put into these products are truly inspiring.

To top it off, there was a car show and a motorcycle show, street dance, dog ball tournaments, talent contest, and live music. Stay tuned—I’ll be showcasing my favorite finds from the Tomato Fest soon! Thank you to everyone who came out and shook my hand. What an amazing community you are! And a big shoutout to the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce—you did an incredible job putting this all together.