TERRE HAUTE – Memorial Day weekend in Terre Haute is about to get a lot more flavorful. Rural King has announced that world-renowned competitive eater Joey Chestnut will return to the city on May 25 to help launch a first-of-its-kind nationwide series of popcorn-eating qualifiers.
The event, hosted at the Rural King at 4651 South U.S. Highway 41, celebrates the retailer’s longstanding tradition of offering free popcorn to customers. This year’s festivities serve as the official kickoff for a multi-state competition that will culminate in a national championship on January 19, 2027.
The “Popcorn Challenge” is designed to be a high-energy community festival. Kicking off at 9 a.m. with the main event at 11 a.m., the competition will feature two distinct categories:
- The Skill Division: A visual, festival-style lane focused on lower-intensity challenges, perfect for those looking to participate in the fun without the pressure of a professional-level contest.
- The Power Division: A traditional, high-volume speed-eating contest. The winner of this division will walk away with a $500 Rural King gift card and a spot in the National Popcorn Day finals.
“Popcorn has always been part of the Rural King experience,” said Michael Ladd, Rural King’s Chief Operating Officer. “After seeing the excitement around last year’s event, we wanted to create something bigger that brings competition and community together in an authentic way.”
Joey Chestnut, who holds over 50 world records, is no stranger to Terre Haute. During last year’s Memorial Day appearance at the same location, Chestnut shattered his own popcorn-eating record.
“I love pushing myself in front of a great crowd, and Rural King knows how to put on a fun event,” Chestnut said. “I am excited to be back to kick off this series and see what local competitors can do.”
How to Attend and Compete
While the event is free to the public, tickets are required for entry and must be reserved online.
For those who think they have what it takes to out-snack the competition, registration is open until Friday, May 22. Selected participants will be notified via email.
Following the Terre Haute kickoff, the series will travel to Cumberland, Maryland, for Father’s Day and Rome, Georgia, for Labor Day, building momentum for the 2027 championship.
Whether you are there to see a world record fall or to enjoy a day of family fun, the event promises to be a highlight of the holiday weekend for the Wabash Valley.
