McComb Cookie Festival going for world record

McCOMB — The McComb Cookie Festival will offer everything you'd expect at a small town jubilee. There will be a parade, fishing derby, bingo and musical entertainment. But this year's event set for July 18 will also feature something unique. To commemorate the festival's 20th anniversary, attendees can be part of setting a world record for the most people simultaneously taking a big bite of a cookie. "Because it's the 20th, we wanted to do something big to commemorate that. So we decided we're going to establish a world record," said Laura Drewes, vice president of the McComb Community Partnership, which sponsors the annual event. Partnership President Sarah Kryling said they were fortunate to partner with Maker's Pride, the largest employer in McComb, which is providing packs of cookies. The goal is 2,000 people. The festival traditionally averages about 1,500 visitors, Kryling said, adding that there has been a bit of an increase annually over the past three years, according to food vendors. "We didn't think that 2,000 was out of the realm of possibility," she said. "We would love to see our park packed." The world record attempt will be held at 2 p.m. on ball field #2 at the Clo E. Greiner Community Park, located on the east side of McComb along Ohio 186. Starting at 1 p.m., McComb High School football players will be walking around the festival registering participants. Names, ages and towns will be needed for verification purposes, said Drewes. Those people will then receive a wristband to show they've registered. Shortly before 2 p.m., all registered participants with bracelets will head to the ball field. They'll each receive an individual pack of cookies, and Maker's Pride is going to help with the countdown. This is something new for the record books, said Kryling and Drewes. "It's a newly established record, and we're working with RecordSetter.com to verify and establish the record," said Kryling. At 2 p.m., everyone will take a bite of their cookie at the same time. The data, video footage and pictures will be provided to the company, said Kryling. "That's why we're tracking everyone's name because we do officially need to have a count," she explained. Typically a one-day festival, this year's cookie party is expanding to Friday evening, said Drewes. The McComb Lions Club will hold its annual chicken barbecue. Tickets are available by pre-sale only. Visitors will then get the chance to Meet the Team at 5 p.m. The announcement of the festival queen and court follows. This is a new event for the 20th year milestone. The six contestants, who are all students at McComb High School, will be scored on interview skills, casual wear and evening gown competitions. There are cash prizes, and the queen will receive a crown that she'll be able to keep. Live music from the Elmwood Derby Suspects is scheduled from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday. "There's something for everyone at the cookie fest," said Kryling. "We say it's very family-friendly. But if you don't have children, there's definitely something for you to do as well." The day of the festival, activities kickoff at 8 a.m. with the Tough Cookie 5K. The route will challenges runners and walkers with a unique course featuring both asphalt and grass terrain along with moderate hills throughout the park. A parade through downtown McComb starts at 10 a.m. Other signature events will include a free fishing derby from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the third annual cookie stroll from 11:30-3 p.m., and a car show from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, trucks and custom builds from across the region. Activities at the park begin at 11 a.m. when raffle and stroll sales open. Briar Hill Health Campus will host bingo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Violet Vinyl, a three-piece musical group from Findlay that consists of vocals, guitar, violin, bass, percussion and harmonica, will perform from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. From noon to 4 p.m., festival-goers can try their hand at a dunk tank. Free swimming is offered from 1-6 p.m., and a free teen cornhole tournament starts at 3 p.m. Ball field #1 will be the site for pony and trackless train rides from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional activities for youth will include a climbing wall, face painting, inflatables, bungee run, high striker, beat the bar, pony rides, train rides, video game truck and A&D Airsoft LLC.A from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. These activities require a ticket or stamp. Tickets are $2 each, and a hand stamp is $10. A caricature artist will offer drawings for $10. The Extra Inning near the front of the park will sell adult beverages. AJ Knepper will perform from 2:30-4:30 p.m., followed by the CBR Trio from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Good Sun will take the stage from 8:30-10:30 p.m. A variety of food trucks will be onsite. A shuttle service will be run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. between the McComb High School parking lot behind the football field and the park. Proceeds will be used for next year's event, as well as a McComb High School scholarship fund, Music on Main, the Hometown Christmas event and Farmers Market. "We try to keep events free to the community as much as possible," said Kryling. "Any monies made is to help keep things affordable and open. We've also given money to school and village projects. We definitely keep our money local in McComb. Village and school initiatives are our focus." More information is available on the McComb Community Partnership's website at www.mccombcp.com and on the Facebook page.