Cochrane Food Fest is back for its fifth year this Sunday, August 10, and organizers are adding a whole new layer of fun to the already-packed event lineup: a lettuce eating competition.
“We thought it would be hilarious and different,” said Kailey Mitchell with Quirk Social, the team behind the annual festival. “There are so many eating competitions out there, but most of them involve something greasy or super heavy. We figured, why not go the healthy—and hilarious—route with iceberg lettuce?”
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The competition kicks off at 4:15 p.m. at the Cochrane Agricultural Grounds, and anyone can enter—all you need is a medium-sized head of iceberg lettuce. Contestants are asked to sign up online in advance and bring their own lettuce to compete.
And yes—there are very few rules. “People can bring whatever they want to make the lettuce more palatable. Hot sauce, salad dressing, even ketchup,” she laughed.
Kids are welcome to take part too, as long as they have parental permission.
While the lettuce-eating contest is a highlight, it’s just one piece of what’s become a summer tradition in Cochrane.
The festival runs from 12 to 7 p.m. and includes live music, family activities, and sample-sized bites from a record number of food vendors this year.
Performers include several local artists, including Noel Johnson (formerly Johnson Crook).
“There’s something for everyone,” said Mitchell. “Whether you're there for the food, the music, or just to watch someone inhale an entire head of lettuce, it's going to be a great time.”
All food samples are $10 or under, making it easy to try a wide range of dishes.
To sign up for the lettuce-eating competition or find more event details, visit Cochrane Food Fest on Facebook or Instagram, or head to the Quirk Social website.