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The heat is on 9/24 at Easton Farmers’ Market with Hot Pepper Eating Contest and Hispanic Cultural Day
World’s hottest pepper – Dragon’s Breath – ready to induce sweat, tears, pain; is over 300 times hotter than a jalepeno
EASTON, Pa. – Heritage and heat will be plentiful at the Easton Farmers’ Market on September 24 as the Market celebrates Hispanic Cultural Day and hosts its annual Hot Pepper Eating Competition at Easton’s riverfront Scott Park.
In honor of National Hispanic Cultural Month and to recognize the diverse heritage of the region’s Hispanic population, the Market will feature Hispanic crafts and live music from Fabry&Band as well as a variety of Hispanic foods throughout market hours, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Vendors include Hacienda los Agaves (quesabirria and elote), Tiera de Fuego (empanadas, guac & chips, pan de queso) and Isasuma (handcrafted accessories benefitting Latin American countries). In addition, Mambo Ruby’s will host a fun and caliente salsa workshop that will help attendees spice up the dance floor or add a little flavor to their moves (12:15 p.m. on stage).
And with chile peppers in prime season, the Market will host its 13th annual Hot Pepper Eating Competition at 11 a.m. Last year’s champion, Kelly Joel Myers, will return to defend his title against others who willingly torture their tongues and set fire to their digestive tracts. A new challenge awaits competitors this year: the pepper for the 10th and final round will be the new hottest pepper in the world: Dragon’s Breath. Clocking in at a blistering 2.48 million Scoville heat units, it is hotter than the current record-holder, the Carolina Reaper. Dragon’s Breath is used in U.S. military pepper sprays and was developed in part for consideration as a natural topical anesthetic for those allergic to typical anesthetics.
All of the hot peppers in this year’s competition will be grown by Easton Urban Farm, part of Easton Area Neighborhood Center in Southside. Easton Urban Farm will have a fiery selection of peppers available at its tent for purchase.
Pre-registration for the competition is required at eastonfarmersmarket.com/hot-pepper-eating-competition/.
Holding the title of America’s oldest, continuous open-air market, the Easton Farmers’ Market has been a destination for fresh and locally grown and prepared foods since 1752. A program of the nonprofit Greater Easton Development Partnership, the Easton Farmers’ Market, presented by Capital Blue, is open every Saturday (May-December) at Scott Park along Larry Holmes Drive.
Free parking for Easton Farmers’ Market will be available in the two lots adjacent to Scott Park, thanks to Riverstar Properties and the Law Offices of Florio-Perrucci. Vendors accept cash, credit, Venmo, PayPal, checks and EBT. Visit eastonfarmersmarket.com for online ordering information for participating vendors.
Easton Farmers’ Market will continue to accept EBT as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Thanks to a USDA grant through Buy Fresh Buy Local of the Greater Lehigh Valley (BFBLGLV), the market will offer LV Fresh Food Bucks with EBT purchases matched by BFBLGLV, up to $10 per day. Those enrolled in the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) for qualified seniors, and those in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in New Jersey and Pennsylvania will be able to use their vouchers at produce vendors who participate in their state’s programs.
Sponsors for the 2022 EFM season include: Capital Blue, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Air Products, IBEW Local 102, Nurture Nature Center and Astound Broadband.
ABOUT: Easton Farmers’ Market (EFM) is a program of the Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP). EFM is America’s longest continuously-running open-air market. It is a producer-only market that features fresh, local produce – the vast majority of which is naturally/organically grown. Customers will also find antibiotic and hormone-free, pasture-raised meats, fresh baked goods, and ready-to-eat items. GEDP is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization focused on Easton’s economic well-being, historical integrity, vibrant culture, and hospitality. It is comprised of Easton Farmers’ Market, Easton Main Street Initiative, Easton Public Market, PA Bacon Fest and the Easton Ambassadors. For more information, visit eastonpartnership.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Michael Drabenstott
Drabenstott Communications Group
