Stockton Hosts World Deep-Fried Asparagus Contest

The world’s most celebrated competitive eaters will converge at the Stockton Asparagus Festival in Stockton, CA on April 23, for the World Deep-Fried Asparagus-Eating Championship. The competition will commence at 11 a.m. on the Main Stage at the Weber Point Event Center.

The field of gurgitators will be highlighted by Ed “Cookie” Jarvis of New York, the No. 6-ranked eater in the world. Jarvis, a former dessert specialist who has dramatically improved his ability in the beef and vegetable disciplines, looks to add the title of World Deep-Fried Asparagus-Eating Champion to his already impressive stable of gurgitory feats.

A host of talented local competitors will also be trying their hand including Stockton’s own Ron Davis, James “Big Ox” Martin of Fresno and Isaiah Johnson of Sacramento.

The 10-minute, all-you-can-eat contest will feature deep-fried spears of Stockton asparagus. The winner will take home a cash prize of $1,000 and the beautiful champion’s trophy.

“The Stockton Asparagus Festival is thrilled to welcome back the IFOCE to our city,” said Kate Lewis, executive director of the Stockton Asparagus Festival. “This unique brand of sporting entertainment has proven to be just as exciting for fans as the competitors participating.”

Last year, Sonya Thomas set a new world record by eating 5.75-lbs. of asparagus in 10 min.

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