84 Lumber Baked Bean Bout

America’s #1 and #2 Ranked Eaters Set To Collide in Indiana

The Brickyard 500 won’t be the only world class sporting event held in Indiana this weekend, as America’s top-ranked eaters meet in Centerville, IN, for the 84 Lumber World Baked Bean-Eating Championship.

This contest, which will help commemorate the re-opening of the 84 Lumber location in Centerville that burned down in March, will feature a talented group of competitive eaters devouring 8.4 pounds of baked beans in the shortest period of time. Among those vying for the ultra-prestigious crown will be Sonya Thomas, the #1 ranked eater in the nation, and Ed ‘Cookie’ Jarvis, the #2 ranked eater in America.

“The 84 Lumber World Baked Bean-Eating Championship pits two eaters of mythical proportions against one another,” said George Shea, chairman of the International Federation of Competitive Eating. “The state of Indiana is renowned for sports icons such as the Indianapolis Speedway, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and others. We expect this contest to join events of that stature.”

At the forefront of the field will be Sonya Thomas, the 100 lb phenom from Alexandra, VA. Thomas’ gurgitory feats include eating 36 dozen oysters in 10 minutes; 43 tacos in 11 minutes; 65 hardboiled eggs in six minutes; and 11 pounds of cheesecake in nine minutes- all world records. Jarvis brings an equally impressive pedigree to the table, currently holding no less than 12 world titles. His records include 1 gallon, nine ounces of ice cream in 12 minutes, 33½ ears of sweet corn in 12 minutes, and 4.65 lbs of rib meat in 12 minutes.

In additional to the prestigious title, there is $1,750.00 in prize money on the line ($1,000.00 for first place; $500.00 for second place; and $250.00 for third place). There are still spots available to compete; this is an IFOCE event and the IFOCE will handle all registration. Those interested in competing who are 18 years of age and older can email beans@ifoce.com or call (212) 627-5766 to register.

Founded by Joe Hardy in 1956 in the town of Eighty Four, Pennsylvania, where the original store continues to operate, 84 Lumber Company is the largest privately held building materials supplier in the country. Today 84 Lumber Company operates more than 470 stores and 14 component manufacturing plants from coast to coast. With more than 7,500 associates nationwide 84 Lumber Company provides professional contractors, remodelers and serious do-it-yourselfers with quality building materials, supplies and expertise. For more information on 84 Lumber Company please visit our web site: www.84lumber.com.

The IFOCE, the governing body of all stomach-centric sports, conducts more than 70 events annually, including the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, NY. The competitive eating community, which numbers more than 3,000 veteran and rookie athletes, travels the nation in search of top titles and the glamour that they provide.