And the Winner Is . . .

Contests where talent is
QUIRKY, fame is FLEETING,
and awards are (mostly)
INCIDENTAL.
International Rotten
Sneaker Contest

WHEN: March 19, 2008

WHERE: Montpelier, Vermont

WHAT HAPPENS: Sneakers’ soles,

tongues, heels, toes, laces or Velcro,

eyelets/grommets, and—most impor-

tant—odors are evaluated for overall

We all dream about testing our

mettle in a competition requiring

skill, physical prowess, or quick

wit and fantasize about winning

something—but where and how?

In honor of the 80th anniversary

of the Bunion Derby (right), we

searched for some of the more

obscure contests held in North

America. Here is a sampling of

what we found, with tips and ad-

vice to give you a leg up on the

competition—or at least save you

from complete embarrassment.

by Rachel Dickinson