Worm eating contest draws crowd to Phantom Fall Fest

ANKENY, Iowa — As part of Adventureland's Phantom Fall Fest, partakers and spectators gathered Saturday for the Phantom's Worm Eating Contest.

People lined up for a chance to partake but only the first 10 guests in line got the grub. The contest was simple, the first person to eat 10 meal worms wins.

Michael Lusky, General Manager for Adventureland Park, says the contest brings a unique challenge forward and adds a little fun. He also says the contest isn't for the weak, it's a mental and physical challenge.

"I say down em fast is the way to go, they don't taste all that great. They don't taste horrible, but they are a little crunchy," said Lusky. "It's just something fun, I think, that adds a different flavor, no pun intended, for this time of year."

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The contest winner, Sandra Roundtree-Celdera, says it's not so bad. Sandra has spent time in other countries and thinks this is only something people find crazy here.

"I guess I really don't think of it the same way as I used to before. The first time I did eat them it was really weird and it's just not weird to me anymore," said Rountree-Celdera.

Sandra and her family came out to spend time together and enjoy some spooky festivities. She was rewarded for her efforts by winning a Yeti cooler bag and some other goodies.

There was another worm challenge for the kids, but it was of a tastier variety. A kiddo from Norwalk won the Bernie's Gummy Worm Contest.

This contest is unique but there are still other chances to win big during Adventureland's Phantom Fall Fest. The Scream Contest, Costume Contest, and Scary-oke are all great ways to get in the spooky spirit.