Boone, LaRue Take Bean-Eating Contests

Jammin' Joe LaRue won the 84 Lumber Baked Bean-Eating Contest in Deland, FL, beating Eater X and Buffalo Jim Reeves by downing 84 ounces of baked beans in 1 minute 28 seconds. Local eaters Justin Hoff placed second and Harry Richter third, revealing increasing competition in the fast-growing sport.

Meanwhile, Dale Boone of Atlanta, GA, set a new baked bean-eating record at the 84 Lumber contest in Dawsonville, GA, consuming his 84 ounces in 1 minute 22 seconds. Boone topped Badlands Booker, who consumed his beans in 1 minute 45 seconds. In a tie for third: John Paul and James Ramsey with 3 minutes 5 seconds.

Marching bands, petting zoos and other attractions marked the openings of these two new lumber outlets. 84 Lumber, which was founded in 84, PA, in 1956 by Joe Hardy, has 474 locations in 35 states.

Cade Hardin, who competed in the Georgia event, and Joe LaRue will both compete in the Krystal qualifier in Mobile, AL, on Sunday.