P.O. Box 403, Brazil, Indiana 47834       “Birthplace and Childhood Home of Orville Redenbacher”

Popcorn Eating Festival

Orville Redenbacher Popcorn Eating Contest is Still a Hit

This contest continues to bring in the crowd, young to old, and each year it has grown to be one of
the best know of the contests at the Festival. It has been in existence and supported by one of our
foundation sponsors Shaw Chiropractic of Brazil. Not only do they support it but they run the whole
show since 2004 with assistance from one or our members who serves as emcee, Eric Brown. This
contest always takes place in the Pavilion at Forest Park. We are fairly certain that we are the only
Popcorn Eating Contest in the Wabash Valley. The contest does offer nice money prizes to male or
female children or adults and even past winners can participate each year to hopefully better their
eating abilities to win the cash prizes. Categories include: 5 to 8 years old ($50); 9 to 12 years old ($50);
13-17 years old ($50), and adults ( 18 and up) gets $200. The contest is a great way for any organization
to make some money by participating in this contest.

The Shaws have taken special care in assuring that the popcorn used for the children do not contain
hulls so there is no danger of choking. This is commendable and has made many parents happy that
safety was taken into this contest. Additionally, bottled water is provided to each contestant in the
contest which makes it a more safety-conscience event. Our hats go off to the Shaws and staff for the
thought that went into this event.

The emcee for the event is Eric Brown, who has been doing the contest since the Shaws wanted
to sponsor it and he has a way to make it an exciting race to the finish for all age groups.

There is no better way to have fun with popcorn than to have an eating contest using one of
Indiana’s major crops…popcorn! Come and watch and you’ll enjoy being a spectator and even
support those members who are participating.