MustardFEST in Springfield has expanded and will include more contests

Admission is free. MustardFEST is presented by the Greater Springfield Partnership and Woeber’s Mustard.

What began as a smaller-scale celebration of one of Springfield’s longtime businesses — Woeber’s — has expanded into Springfield’s own food-themed event like other Ohio celebrations centered around strawberries, pumpkins, sauerkraut and corn.

“It started modest with the wiener dogs and horse radish and we’ve grown to include sub events and now it’s became a signature event,” said Chris Schutte, GSP vice president destination marketing and communications. “As we grow, we wanted to add an entire day and go back to Mother Stewart’s on Friday as part of a bigger overall event.”

Friday’s fun at Mother Stewart’s, where MustardFEST originated, will begin with the wiener dog participant pageant at 6 p.m..

A new feature at 7 p.m. is the Ohio U.S. Steinholding Championship Qualifier in which contestants will see how long they can hold a liter stein of beer weighing about five pounds. The contest is limited to the first 15 male and female contestants, in separate divisions, and winners will represent Mother Stewart’s in Cincinnati’s state championship.

At 7:30 p.m. will be the crowning of the king and queen wiener dogs, complete with crowns and tiaras and other awards such as heaviest and longest. Mustard tastings will be available and Chardon Polka Band, described as a punk polka band, will entertain.

Sept. 21 activities at National Road Commons will open at noon with the MustardFEST keg tapping, Chardon Polka Band performing, the beer garden opening and wiener dog race registration.

The contest is open to low-to-the-ground dachshunds and entry is free. The dog parade and introductions follow at 1 p.m. with racing at 1:30 and the awards ceremony at 2:30 p.m.

Chestnut will be in his domain, doing introductions, awards presentations, will meet the public for photos and autographs and do an eating demonstration prior to the hot mustard and horseradish eating contest at 3 p.m.

“It’s just the spectacle of having someone like Joey Chestnut here that makes this unique,” said Schutte.

Contestants will consume Woeber’s products with Skyline Chili hot dogs, with the spice increasing with each hot dog. Registrations are still being accepted and the contest is limited to the first 15 serious eaters.

An attendee from Chicago told Schutte this was one of the funnest events he’d been to, which says a lot about MustardFEST considering Chicago’s vast entertainment offerings opposed to a smaller town. He expects 3,000-4,000 attendees this year.

“This is one event that appeals to families and individuals and is unique and we have entries from outside of Springfield, so we’re building a bigger footprint,” he said. “There is so much potential to get bigger.”

More details

To register for events or for more information, go to www.facebook.com/SpringfieldOhioCVB.