Pie-eating contest closes out McHenry County Fair

You would think that a pie-eating contest would be as easy as, well, pie.

But it's not so easy when you don't have the use of your hands.

That's what several contestants discovered Sunday at the closing day of the McHenry County Fair during a pie eating contest sponsored by 4-H.

The money will benefit a new Shooting Sports program in McHenry County that will give local youths ages 8-18 the opportunity to learn archery and air rifle in a safe environment.

All it cost participants was a dollar per pie.

Contestants gathered around the table under a tent in an arena with a lingering aroma of cattle and plastered their faces into a plate full of apple pie.

Among the winners was Dwayne Dethlefsen from the Johnsburg area. He estimated he consumed his slice in less than five seconds. His technique?

“I just put my mouth over it and sucked up one big bite,” he said.

Grant Wilke, 16, was another winner. Grant said his dad, Todd Wilke, encouraged him to compete. His father said Grant, a junior at Faith Lutheran High School in Crystal Lake, has participated in pie-eating contests at the school.

“So I knew he could do it,” he said.

It was one of several events held on the final day of the 5-day festival, held in Woodstock. A demolition derby also was part of Sunday's entertainment.

4-H leader Mary Kanter, of Hebron, said more than $62 was raised during the pie-eating contest. She said a local Jewel helped out by donating some of the pies.

Anthony Lopez of Crystal Lake, 4-H Shooting Sports coordinator for the Lake and McHenry County extension, said there about 100 students interested in taking programs, which would take place on the county fairgrounds and at local ranges.

“It benefits kids learning firearm safety,” said Lopez, who added that youths would also receive instruction in the use of shotguns and .22 caliber rifles.