The Unlikely Evolution Of The International Cherry-Pit Spitting Championship
There are plenty of food competitions that have been popularized by the internet and social media, and some challenges are definitely stranger than others. However, outside the online world (yes, such a concept does still exist) there are people willing to do weird things with food.
A particularly unusual occurrence is the International Cherry-Pit Spitting Championship — which is as odd and unhygienic as it sounds. The event was formed in 1974 and involves contestants vying for the privilege of being crowned "international champ" by seeing who can spit a cherry pit the farthest, according to Atlas Obscura.
Although earning the title of being the ultimate cherry-pit spitter arguably might not be quite as prestigious as achieving a Nobel Peace Prize, the annual event proves to be very popular, drawing in crowds and competitors from across the world, and even being aired on ESPN.
There's even a world record held by one cherry stone spitter
The International Cherry-Pit Spitting Championship has been held at Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm in Eau Claire, Michigan, since its inauguration, explains Atlas Obscura. It takes place in July and features separate divisions for men and women, as well as strict rules. Only Montmorency cherries are allowed to be spat, which must be kept at a temperature between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Hands are not allowed to be held above shoulders in order to prevent cheek-popping, and mouths must be kept free of anything other than the cherry pit.
There's even an official Guinness World Records achievement for the competition, which was earned at the farm in 2004. Brian "Young Gun" Krause was awarded the title of "greatest distance to spit a cherry stone" after catapulting one over 93 feet. He managed an even bigger feat after the record had been recorded, spitting a pit 110 feet and four inches.
The competition was faced with extinction when the owner of the farm was struck down with illness, leading to it being put up for sale, details ESPN. Fortunately, the Cherry-Pit Spitting Championship appears to have been saved, with Rove.me publicizing the event for 2023.