Experience the Quirkiest Competitions in These 20 U.S. Towns
From outrageous feats of strength to hilariously quirky contests, small towns across the U.S. have turned annual competitions into a beloved tradition. These events bring communities together while offering a fun escape from everyday life, showcasing everything from unusual sports to offbeat challenges.
Whether you’re an adventurous competitor or just looking for a unique experience, these 20 U.S. towns host the most eccentric and entertaining annual competitions you’ll ever encounter. So pack your sense of humor and curiosity, because these competitions are unlike anything you’ve seen before!
1. Cooper’s Hill, Colorado – Frozen Dead Guy Days

This quirky festival is inspired by a cryogenically frozen man who’s preserved in the town.It includes coffin races, icy polar plunges, and frozen turkey bowling, making for a chilly but exciting competition.
The mix of macabre and fun makes this one of the strangest yet most unique events in the country.
2. Wayne, Nebraska – Wayne Chicken Show

Wayne takes poultry appreciation to a whole new level with its annual Chicken Show.The event features chicken dance contests, egg tosses, and even the World’s Largest Chicken Dance.
This quirky festival is as much about the fun as it is about celebrating everything chicken-related.
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3. Oatman, Arizona – Oatman Bed Races

This quirky event features teams racing down the street with beds on wheels.The wild west town of Oatman turns into a chaotic scene of bed-laden sprints, complete with costumes and cheers.
This eccentric race brings the Old West alive in the most unconventional way.
4. Humptulips, Washington – Humptulips Logger’s Jubilee

Celebrate the art of logging with the Humptulips Logger’s Jubilee, where competitors showcase their strength and skills.Events include axe-throwing, pole climbing, and chainsaw carving, all paying homage to the town’s logging heritage.
If you’re into rugged, adrenaline-pumping competitions, this event is a must-see.
5. Tualatin, Oregon – West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Tualatin hosts one of the most bizarre races in the country—paddling giant pumpkins across a lake.Participants hollow out enormous pumpkins and paddle them like boats, all while trying to stay afloat.
This annual regatta blends gardening, creativity, and a splash of chaos.
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6. Delaware, Ohio – The Great Rubber Duck Race

Delaware hosts an adorable yet competitive annual rubber duck race down the Olentangy River.
Thousands of bright yellow ducks float downstream, and spectators cheer for their rubbery champions.
It’s a fun, family-friendly event that adds a bit of whimsy to this small Ohio town.
7. Gloucester, Massachusetts – Greasy Pole Contest

Held during the St. Peter’s Fiesta, the Greasy Pole Contest is a slippery, daring event unique to Gloucester.Contestants attempt to walk across a heavily greased pole over the harbor to grab a flag at the end.
It’s as fun to watch as it is challenging for the brave souls who participate.
8. Bridgeport, West Virginia – Wild Blueberry Festival & Pie Eating Contest

This event highlights the best of summer with its wild blueberry pie-eating contest.Participants chow down on pies with no hands, racing to finish their slice first.
It’s messy, hilarious, and perfect for anyone who’s ever dreamed of eating pie competitively.
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9. Pecos, Texas – World’s First Rodeo

Pecos is home to the World’s First Rodeo, making it a must-visit for rodeo enthusiasts.Competitions include bull riding, steer roping, and wild horse races, celebrating the town’s cowboy roots.
The rich tradition and wild energy of this event draw fans from across the country.
10. Manitou Springs, Colorado – Emma Crawford Coffin Races

Inspired by a local legend, this spooky race involves teams pushing decorated coffins down the street. The Emma Crawford Coffin Races celebrate the town’s eerie past while adding a fun, competitive twist.
With spooky costumes and creative coffins, it’s one of the quirkiest races you’ll ever witness.
11. Louisville, Kentucky – Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Relay

In Louisville, bourbon isn’t just for sipping—it’s also the centerpiece of a unique race.Participants roll heavy bourbon barrels down a track in this strength and speed-based relay.
If you’re a fan of bourbon and quirky challenges, this competition blends both.
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12. Hinckley, Ohio – Buzzard Day Buzzard Sighting Contest

Each year, Hinckley celebrates the return of the buzzards with a fun bird-watching competition.Participants compete to spot the first buzzard of the season, marking the arrival of spring.
This odd yet endearing tradition brings the community together in a celebration of nature.
13. Lodi, California – Zinfandel Grape Stomp

Lodi’s Zinfandel Grape Stomp celebrates the town’s wine culture with a traditional grape-stomping contest.Participants jump into barrels full of grapes, stomping away to extract as much juice as possible.
It’s a messy, joyful event that showcases the region’s wine heritage in a fun and interactive way.
14. Talkeetna, Alaska – Moose Dropping Festival

This quirky festival revolves around dropping moose “nuggets” from the sky for a chance at prizes.Participants gather to watch the unique spectacle as these odd projectiles are dropped from a crane.
While unconventional, this festival highlights Talkeetna’s quirky sense of humor and strong community spirit.
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15. Frostburg, Maryland – International Eye Rolling Contest

The International Eye Rolling Contest in Frostburg is a hilarious event focused on exaggerated eye movements.Competitors roll their eyes in the most dramatic ways possible, competing for the title of world’s best eye-roller.
It’s a fun, tongue-in-cheek competition that draws people from all over with its quirky charm.
16. Hope, Arkansas – Watermelon Eating Contest

Hope, known for producing giant watermelons, hosts an annual watermelon-eating contest during its Watermelon Festival.Participants race to devour large, juicy slices without using their hands, making it a hilarious and messy event.
It’s the ultimate summer competition that combines good-natured rivalry with delicious fruit.
17. Mankato, Minnesota – Bumpkin Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival

Mankato’s Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival features catapult-style machines launching pumpkins into the air.Competitors build their own trebuchets or cannons to see who can launch their pumpkin the farthest.
It’s a thrilling and chaotic event that’s both entertaining to watch and fun to participate in.
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18. Mt. Vernon, Iowa – Chalk the Walk

Mt. Vernon transforms into an outdoor art gallery during Chalk the Walk, an annual street-art competition.Artists use chalk to create stunning murals on the pavement, competing for prizes and community admiration.
This event blends creativity and competition in a colorful display of talent.
19. Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania – Groundhog Day Shadow Watching

Punxsutawney is world-famous for its Groundhog Day tradition, where the town’s beloved groundhog, Phil, predicts the weather.People gather to see whether Phil sees his shadow, signaling more winter or an early spring.
This unique tradition draws visitors from around the world to witness the quirky spectacle.
20. Twin Bridges, Montana – Duck Days and Duck Races

In Twin Bridges, the annual Duck Days event features duck races down the Beaverhead River.Participants cheer as rubber ducks float downstream, competing for first place in this fun and lighthearted race.
It’s a simple yet quirky competition that brings the community together for a day of fun.
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