When word got out we were hosting a TwinkieMania contest today, there was no problem getting contestants.
Or emcees:
You may recognize Trevor and Amanda from our musical shows. They didn't have to be asked twice to "host" our event.
"I'm a game show junkie!" proclaimed Trevor, who also got these shirts made up and brought in a game show theme song or two to play while we waited for the contest to begin.
All told, we had 28 contestants. From the smallest child:
… to the muscliest man:
… and even a few "celerity contestants," including Kara Kirtley from the Eyewitness News Team.
We were quite impressed Kara came dressed so nicely – and in a Twinkie-colored frock.
After Amanda explained the rules (each contestant received three deep-fried Twinkies and each round was 60-seconds long), Kara sat down and gave it her all.
Kara didn't win her round, but most importantly she didn't drip raspberry sauce on her dress!
No one managed to consume all three Twinkies during their allotted 60-seconds. We had a few photo finishes, though, and the crowd roared their votes of approval to help our emcees-turned-judges figure out the true winners.
Here are the names and hometowns of our seven winners:
- Matt H. from Mt. Carmel, Illinois
- Nicole C. from Owensboro, Kentucky
- Michael G. from Madison, Indiana
- Aleyah C. from Owensboro, Kentucky
- Lonnie W. from Oblong, Illinois
- Blake A. from Bridgeport, Illinois
- Michael L. from Calico Rock, Arkansas
Thanks to all the good-natured eaters and the great audience. (No one complained about having a crumby time.)
We had loads of fun – and that's what it's all about!
