Cobbler, catfish devoured during Lubbock's 4th on Broadway eating contests
The River Smith’s Catfish and Cobbler Eating Contests were hosted during Monday's Fourth on Broadway events, and participants saw both a reigning champion take another title and a new champion crowned between the two contests.
Each of the catfish and cherry cobbler contests during Monday's festival in Mackenzie Park were divided into categories based on age.
For Juan Garcia Jr., an 11-year-old student at Cooper South elementary school, it was the first time to compete in the cherry cobbler eating event.
Garcia said he was eager and excited, but didn't let that get into his mind - he just ate. Garcia said he was glad he didn't drink any water, which he thinks helped him win with a 35-second victory.
Frankie Galicia, a veteran in the eating contest for both meals, said this was his final year competing and that he hoped it would end with a bang.
"(This) feels like a Royal Rumble match and I (wonder) is this the year? Am I gonna go out with a bang and resign?" Galicia said.
In the end, Galicia won the cherry cobbler contest for the fifth year in a row but fell in the catfish event.
John Lixey from Ralls dethroned Galicia in the catfish portion of the contest and ate 25 pieces of catfish in two sittings, which a River Smiths representative said during the contest was the same amount as a family portion.
Hannah Son, an event coordinator for the 4th on Broadway event, said she had never seen people compete at this event and it was a new experience.
"It was really fun to watch everybody, you know, their faces in the cherry cobbler and it was crazy to see how much catfish they could eat and stuff in their mouths," Son said.
River Smith’s Eating contest winners:
Cobbler Gobbler
6 & Under 26 Nikolaz Garza
7-12 Juan Garcia, Jr.
13-17 Tatius Lott
Adult Frankie Galicia (5-year champion)
Catfish
6 & Under No entries
7-12 Jax Simonton
13-17 Tristan Merkey
Adult John Lixey