Menu
Legion official: Carnival’s inaugural roll-eating contest deemed a success
SIKESTON — Rain couldn’t dampen spirits at the inaugural “Throwed Roll Throwdown” roll-eating contest sponsored by Lambert’s Cafe Friday, Sept. 27 during the 80th Annual American Legion Cotton Carnival at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo grounds.
“The roll-eating contest was a success for all,” Sikeston American Legion Commander Frankie Adams said. “Charities got donations, and spectators had fun. Eaters interacted with the crowd.”
Originally scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on the main stage of the Cotton Carnival grounds, heavy rain on Friday forced the competition indoors to the entertainment building behind the stage.
Contestants each started with a dozen rolls and a gallon of water. They were given a time limit to eat as many rolls as they could. Contestants were allowed to dip their rolls in water to help them eat, and rolls were also thrown into the crowd, according to Adams.
Koty “The Yeast Beast” Tomlinson sponsored by SEMO Electric was crowned the Throwed Roll Throwdown King. Tomlinson, who ate four rolls to win, chose Spread Hope Now as his charity.
Second place went to Zac “Gizmo” Smith sponsored by Sonny’s Solid Waste. He ate three whole rolls and chose the Bulldog Pantry as his charity.
Don “Thunder Thighs” Cobb sponsored by Ultimate Flooring won third place, eating at least 2-1/2 rolls. His charity choice was Spread Hope Now.
According to Adams, contestants chose their own nicknames for the event and were selected in advance by local business sponsors. Contestants chose from these six charities to eat for: Spread Hope Now, Mission Missouri, House of Refuge, Light Up Sikeston, Hope Center and Bulldog Pantry.
“All the money raised is going to one of six charities,” Adams said. “The first place winner, 50% of his money goes to his charity; the second place winner, 30% of his money will go to their charity; and the third place winner, 20% of their money will go to their charity.”
Rounding out the contestants along with their sponsors and charities were: David “Double Down” Dolan sponsored by Sterling Pharmacy, Bulldog Pantry; Jonathan “Duke Silver” Douglass sponsored by Blanton Law Firm, House of Refuge; Michael “Big Mac Attack” Harris sponsored by Smith Bail Bonds, Mission Missouri; Nick “Rollin’ Thunder” Ponder sponsored by Sikeston Jaycees, Bulldog Pantry; Brent “Big Hungry” Mullin sponsored by Edge Realty, Bulldog Pantry; Shaun “The Roll Warrior” Cole sponsored by J&E Wholesale, Hope Center; Blake “Snack Attack” Pearson sponsored by Mitchell Insurance, House of Refuge; Cash “Money” Thomas sponsored by Sam’s Fine Jewelry, Bulldog Pantry; and Shannon “big Mama Bulldog” Holifield sponsored by DeWitt Company, Bulldog Pantry.
After plaques were handed out and the winner crowned, rolls were thrown out to the crowd, Adams said. But then something happened, he said, and a “food fight/throwed roll fight broke out among some competitors and family/friends.”
“It was all in fun and added to the festivities that were brought inside due to the weather,” Adams said. “After it was over, everyone picked up the pieces (of bread) and we left the area clean as we found it.”
Adams said the Legionnaires already have some ideas for next year.
“I can see this happening again in the future Carnival dates,” Adams said of the roll-eating contest.
The 81st Annual American Legion Cotton Carnival is slated for Sept. 23-26, 2025.