Be the first to down a quart of hot garlic pickles and you'll win $100 cash.
That--and much more--is what the Schoharie County Sloughter Hot Pickle Eating Contest is all about.
Dave and Darleen Laraway of Grosvenors Corners in Carlisle are hosting their sixth annual contest, which focuses not only on pickle-eating but also on summer socializing, games, good humor and down-home fun.
The event is next Saturday, August 20, 9am-4pm or later, at the Laraways', Beckers Corners Road.
Everything is free of charge, and the Laraways like it that way.
"We love doing this. We like to see people smile," said Ms. Laraway.
Past events have done just that. Although the pickle-eating competition is the climax, games and contests run all day.
"It's for people six months to 90 years," Mr. Laraway said. "This is a fun family thing that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
"People can come and go as they want, stay a little while or stay all day."
Visitors can also tour Mr. Laraway's legendary garden, featuring skyscraping corn and string beans. He shares his knowledge as the Northeast Gardener on radio station WSDE.
The hot pickle eating contest draws the most attention. Open to men and women, contestants will try to defeat Stephen Piccolo, who's won it the past three years.
Seated around a picnic table, contestants each get a quart jar of the Laraways' hot garlic pickles. The first to finish his or her quart--and keep it down--wins $100 and a plaque.
"We put up the $100. It's just plain fun," Mr. Laraway said.
Times and winning prizes for other games and contests are:
•Noon, pickle-tasting contest. People can bring their canned produce--anything with vinegar. $50 savings bond from NBT Bank.
•1pm, ladies bring their biggest tomato, which must be grown in Schoharie County. $25 gift certificate from Wal-Mart, purchased by the Laraways.
•1:30, men bring their longest cucumber, which must be grown in the county. $25 gift certificate from Ace Hardware.
•2, adult egg toss, with couples playing catch with eggs without breaking them. $25 gift certificate from Kelley Farm and Garden.
•2:30, most original sloughter family, $50 savings bond from NBT Bank.
Through the day, there will also be new contests: tongue-depressor, boot-throwing, match-lighting and cracker-eating, all with prizes.
Special contests are on tap for kids. There's a sibling egg toss, with pairs of brothers or sisters competing, ages 13-19.
Also, there will be a tiny tot sledge hammer toss, an egg run and more.
Kids will get free school supplies as long as they last, and there will be free ice cream for everyone.
About 20 vendors will be on hand, and there are more spaces open. Space is free; call Mr. Laraway at 868-4864.
"If someone wants to come and sell vegetables, that's fine," Mr. Laraway said. "I don't sell vegetables that day, just pickles."
The pickle event has grown each year. Part of that success comes from support of local businesses.
"Not just Cobleskill, but Middleburgh and Schoharie, too," Mr. Laraway said. "We have well over $1,000 in gift certificates to give away.
"Everyone's helped--NBT, Price Chopper, M&J's, Mrs. K's Kitchen, Agway, Sunnycrest, all over. Lots and lots of people have helped with this."