Worldwide humans have always held contests, from one-on-one to group competitions. American pioneers had few options for group competitions, but eating or drinking contests were always possible. Drinking bouts tended to involve alcohol, and tended to get rowdy, so for community events that was right out. But eating contests have continued with gusto. Watermelon, pie, oysters, hot dogs, whatever was plentiful. Gluttony is good. USA! USA! USA!
Retronaut has a picture gallery of many of these wholesome community affairs.
This one captioned, "Nov. 4, 1948 Broadway show girls compete in a hands-free spaghetti-eating contest."
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