IFOCE Announces the 2002 Harvest Series

The International Federation of Competitive Eating is sanctioning a number of events that comprise the 2002 Harvest Series. These events all lead to the Thanksgiving Invitational, to be held on Wednesday, November 27th.

While additional tour dates will be added, the following events are currently confirmed.

Rugged Alaska will serve as the backdrop to three eating contests and one "carbo-load" beginning on Thursday, August 22nd and culminating with the Frontier Feast on Sunday, August 25th. For more details email dbaer@ifoce.com.

On September 1st, the IFOCE will be at the National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, NY to conduct the chicken wing eating championship. More than forty of the country's best Buffalo Wing Restaurants will be on hand to showcase their various wing styles and recipes. Attendance is vital to all wing lovers and details will soon be posted on this site.

New York City's Little Italy began celebrating the Feast of San Gennaro in 1926. Held over 11 days in September, it is the oldest, largest and liveliest festa of the year. More than 3 million people attend the festival to enjoy its colorful parades, music and authentic Italian cuisine. The IFOCE is honored to kick off this year's feast with the Cannoli Eating Invitational on Thursday, September 12th. Organizers are currently reviewing applications from hopeful competitors. For consideration, please email your information to cannol@ifoce.com.

On September 21st, the IFOCE will hold the Conch Fritter Worlds at the luxurious Ocean Key Resort in Key West, Florida. This is the first-ever sanctioned conch fritter eating contest and it is up for consideration as an IFOCE major. If interested in competing at the Conch Fritter Worlds, please send your information to cfw@ifoce.com.

The Harvest Series progresses with the Chili Classic, which will take place during the International Chili Society's World Championship Chili Cookoff in Reno Nevada on October 5th and 6th. This is the largest event of the year for the International Chili Society, a non-profit that has helped raise over $60 million dollars for charities and other philanthropic organizations. For information email chili@ifoce.com.

Additional events will soon be posted. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and interested parties can attain information by contacting dbaer@ifoce.com or calling (212) 352-8651.