Our Compliments to the Condiment

In your day-to-day life, you don't likely think too much about ketchup, unless you're on one of those all-french-fry diets, that is. For most of us, the condiment is one of those things that's just...there. However, that won't be the case today in Collinsville, Illinois. The folks in this town already think about ketchup, or catsup, more than average — Collinsville is home to the World's Largest Catsup Bottle, of course — but today Collinsvillains honor their saucy monument with an all-day festival, and you're invited. The World's Largest Catsup Bottle Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grounds of American Legion Post 365 (1022 Vandalia Street), and at this affair, which has been recently lauded by Time and Woman's Day magazines, expect to see all kinds of red, with the Brooks Tangy Catsup Taste Test (at 10 a.m.) and the Hot Dog (Smothered in Catsup) Eating Contest (at 11:45 a.m.). In addition to the ketchup eats, the fest also offers other food, drinks and even birthday cake (sing "Happy Birthday" to the bottle at 12:15 p.m.). Plus, Little Princess Tomato and Sir Catsup will be crowned in the morning! To learn more about the festival and to check out the full schedule, visit www.catsupbottlefestival.com.
Sun., July 11, 2010