'American Spirit,' Petz Dominate Watermelon Eating Contest

The third time is often said to be the charm but for Abingdon resident Dan Petz, it was the fifth try that did it in the watermelon eating contest at Shamrock Park. Petz came away a winner for the first time at Monday's annual July Fourth event.

“It feels great,” Petz said.

Petz said he looks forward to the contest every year, as he’s been trying to break through to the winner’s circle.

“I enjoy the people cheering for me,” Petz said.

Toni Meares of Bel Air emceed the event and called it one of the best she could remember.

“I was really pleased with the participants,” she said. “They were all good sports.”

Meares said that in the past, there has been controversy with some people getting upset over not winning. But this year, the competitive eaters were well-behaved.

Each of the four eating contests for ages 6 and under, 7 to 10, 11 to 16 and 17 to adult came down to the wire with judges from a local Girl Scout troop picking the winners.

Meares said that the one thing she’ll remember about this year’s contest is the “American spirit” demonstrated by the competitors.