Most people eating corndogs-Iowa State Fair sets
world record
DES MOINES, IA, USA -- The Corndog Chomp, part
of this year’s opening ceremonies of the Iowa
State Fair, has set a world record for the most people
simultaneously eating corndogs: 8,400.
Photo: Sac County Fair Queen Angie Fischer
hands out corn dogs to participants. Lines formed at the gate
before 5 a.m., and traffic was snagged for blocks on streets
near the fairgrounds. Photo by Des Moines Tegister
(enlarge
photo)
“The turnout certainly exceeded our expectations.
With so many people willing to get out bright and early, it’s
clear Iowans are eager to enjoy every minute of their Fair,”
said Fair Manager/CEO Gary Slater.
Traffic backed up for blocks and for miles on
Interstate Highway 235. Lines formed at the gate before 5
a.m. Those who showed up before 8 a.m. got in free.
The 8,000 corn dogs went fast, another 400 were
quickly distributed. At about 8:50 a.m. Thursday everyone
who had one took a bite at the same moment. They chompers
simultaneously munched all over the Grandstand, some fairgoers
went without.
The 2008 Iowa
State Fair celebrates the passion Fairgoers have for
the state's great Fair and all the traditions they look forward
to each year, including food, fun, free entertainment, competition,
livestock and people watching.
For the first time in history, the Fair offered
free admission at the gate from 5-8:30 a.m. and a free corndog
at opening ceremonies. (enlarge
photo)
More than 42,000 people came through the gate before
8:30 a.m. Campbell’s
Concessions cooked the corn dogs and Sysco provided
the hot dogs.
The internationally-acclaimed Iowa
State Fair annually attracts more than a million fun-lovers
from around the world. In 2005, Midwest Living magazine named
the event one of the "Top 30 Things Every Midwesterner Should
Experience."
Special features include one of the world's
largest livestock shows, the country's largest state fair
foods department (approx. 900 classes), the state's largest
arts show, hundreds of competitive events and wacky contests;
600 plus exhibitors and concessionaires selling quality and
tasty treats, and 160 rolling acres of campgrounds.
Considered America's classic state fair, Iowa's
ag-extravaganza is also featured in the New York Times best-selling
travel book, "1000 Places to See Before You Die."
The Iowa
State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit
501(c)3 organization. Since its establishment in 1993, the
Foundation has generated over $65 million for renovations
and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.
The 2008 Iowa
State Fair runs August 7-17 – “U Gotta Love It.”