Location: Stockton, CA
Eaters converged at the Stockton Asparagus Festival in Stockton, CA on April 23, for the World Deep-Fried Asparagus-Eating Championship.
Rookie eater Joey Chestnut of San Jose, who recently placed third at the Boomtown Reno Lobster Challenge, won the title in a hotly contested overtime against Rich LeFevre.
Blamed on a judging error too close to call, both eaters agreed to a one-pound plate run-off after the 10 minute contest. Chestnut took the title and the $1,000 cash prize for a total of 6.3-pounds of deep-fried Stockton asparagus consumed in 11-1/2 minutes.
Other gurgitators included Ed “Cookie” Jarvis and "Jalapeno" Jed Donahue who tied for third with 4.25-pounds in 10 minutes, and Rich's wife Carlene.
The Stockton Asparagus Festival is a three-day, multi-event, food and entertainment festival, which celebrates asparagus. The festival, held April 22-24, features three performance stages, an Asparagus Alley with the best deep-fried asparagus found anywhere, one of the finest celebrity chef cooking demonstration kitchens, a classic car show, a fabulous Spear-Its of the Valley wine and beer pavilion, a craft show, and exhibits by more than 70 food purveyors and 100 specialty merchandise vendors. www.asparagusfest.com.