Champ of new contest ate 4 ½ ears of corn in 3 minutes

Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fair is always game for new contests to test the prowess of the public. On Monday, the fair held its first ever corn of the cob eating contest.

In the top photo, Jacques Gregoire (left), last year’s fair king, and Vinnie Snell chomp on corn on the cob that was provided by Rush’s in Waterport.

There were nine competitors in the corn on the cob eating contest. They are introduced by Kayla Dengler, right, the emcee of the event. From right to left going down the table include sisters Madison and Reagan Flor, Michael Decker, Katie Oakes, John and Vinnie Snell, Jacques Gregoire, and Michael and Jason Clark.

Michael Clark, 21, of Kendall won the event, gobbling 4 ½ ears of corn in only 3 minutes. Michael said the corn was hot but he didn’t let that slow him down.

“I ignored the heat and pain and just kept munching,” he said.

His father sat next to him and came in second with 4 ears of corn consumed.

John Snell of Albion came in third with 3 ½ ears of corn eaten. He is next to his son, Vinnie.

Madison Flor, 25, of Albion was able to eat 3 ears of corn in 3 minutes. “It sounded like fun and it was fun,” she said.

She is next to her sister, Reagan, while Kayla Dengler announced the action.

There are some other unusual contests at the fair including a rubber chicken throwing contest at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, a rooster crowing competition at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, a Mom Calling Contest at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, and some others. Click here to see the full fair schedule.