5th and a Half Annual "Hungriest Mother" Food Challenge Event
MARION VA ANNOUNCES TEN FOOD CHALLENGES FOR THE “FIFTH AND A HALF ANNUAL HUNGRIEST MOTHER" FOOD CHALLENGE EVENT SET FOR SATURDAY, JULY 17
There are food competitions. . . then there is a challenge to be named “The Hungriest Mother”.
As the town of Marion, Virginia grew their summer chili cookoff, started in 1986, events were added. Live music. A car show. Kids activities. And, six years ago, a food challenge.
The number of Marion restaurants and eateries were growing, and local event organizers saw it as a time to involve more local businesses and spotlight the new menu choices at the community’s largest festival weekend.
And so it started. That first year, it was simple. Following on the heels of Fourth of July hot dog eating contests, Marion wanted to highlight their own local legend - The Dip Dog Stand - and, in 2015, ten participants lined up shoulder to shoulder to see who could consume a trademark "greasy brown bag" of the delectable dogs in the least amount of time. Elbows flying, eyeballs rolling, mustard flying, Marion’s own Michael Karnes walked away with the inaugural title of “Grand Champion Dip Dog Eating King”.
In the meantime, other restaurants, eateries, and businesses wanted in on the fun. They, too provided ten servings of a dish for their phase of the contest. And, tying into the local state park, Marion’s “Hungriest Mother Food Challenge” was born. In 2019, the event was recognized as “Best Food Event” by Virginia Living Magazine. But 2020 was a bust – so organizers, in typical cheeky fashion, have dubbed this one as “Fifth and a Half Annual” – and are lining up the prizes, the food, and the fun!
This year’s event is set for Saturday, July 17 across downtown. Local and state politicians have served as judges and servers, and this year features at least TEN separate contests. Participants may enter just one, or multiple contests, for free. But they must be 18 or older, or have a parent along to sign a permission slip. Registration starts at 2pm at the Event Information tent.
Marion, VA Fifth and a Half Annual “Hungriest Mother Food Challenge”
Contests, portions, and foods subject to change
Saturday, July 17 Across downtown Marion
Must be 18 or older or have parental consent to participate - First ten to sign up in each category gets to compete
Registration opens at 2pm. Free to sign up!
Other events include a Friday night Main Street Block Party featuring "Phantom", a classic car/motorcycle show, kids activities, and live music on the Main Stage on Saturday. Saturday's entertainment includes Virginia’s own Chase Payne, Railway Express, and an all-girl AC/DC tribute band “Shoot To Thrill”. Admission is free.
The 48th annual Hungry Mother Festival is also happening this weekend at nearby Hungry Mother State Park, with arts, crafts, food and entertainment 10-6 Friday and Saturday, 10-5 Sunday. There is a free shuttle between downtown Marion and the park during festival hours, departing from the Marion Farmer's Market stage every half hour.
All events are scheduled rain or shine. In the event of dangerous weather, events may be postponed or cancelled. Subscribe to the Marion VA text alert service by sending 24354 to 888777 for last minute details and emergency notifications. Normal text charges apply.