Too Much Fun (and Too Many Tamales)

We had a great time sponsoring the Western Days Festival in Old Town Lewisville. The parades and old-time events were great — who doesn’t love arts and crafts, gun fight re-enactments, trick ropers, a car show, Longhorn cattle drives and a ranch just for dogs (called, appropriately enough, Tailwaggers Ranch)?

But for us, the highlight of the festival was the sixth annual World Tamale Eating Championship. Bringing in noted professional eaters, this local contest is nothing to shake a hotdog at. First Choice Power business development manager Tommy “Tamale Lover” Richardson competed to benefit Christian Community Action's food pantry as part of First Choice Power's Food First campaign to fight hunger in Texas.

Just before the contest, we caught up with Tommy.

“This is my debut into the IFOCE (International Federation of Competitive Eating),” he said. “And I must admit that I am nervous. I will do my best to make First Choice Power proud and represent the Lewisville local office. Carpe Diem! The tamales are going down!"

Tommy put away nine tamales during the 12-minute contest, losing by 50 tamales to the winner, professional eater Tim “Eater X” Janus. In 2007, Janus garnered the world record with a 71-tamale finish.

"Uh, these guys are like professionals from all over the world,” said Gabe Sims, local sales office manager for First Choice Power in Texas City. “Tommy got smoked."

Nonetheless, Tommy declared a victory over hunger — and not just his own. Through per-tamale sponsorships from colleagues, friends and family, he raised $570 for the Christian Community Action Food Pantry.

"Not to worry ... you're still our champion! You were a celebrity amongst celebrities," enthused Michael Salinas, First Choice Power local sales office manager for Mission and one of Tommy’s best cheerleaders.

Overall, Tommy was pleased with his performance.

“I learned a lot, and I got to compete against the world’s best eaters,” he said.

Way to go, Tommy! We’re all super proud of you.