Think you can handle the heat? The Town of Herndon is making visitors sweat with a jalapeño-eating contest that’s not for the faint of heart. The competition is part of Polar Heat on Lynn Street, a new festival on May 16 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Herndon. The event celebrates “all degrees of Herndon” with live entertainment, themed activities, and plenty of hot and cold treats.
The three-minute competition has contestants eat as many whole pickled jalapeños as possible. The contestant with the most stems left at the end is the winner. Only one pepper can be eaten at a time, and no outside food or drinks are allowed. Competitors must be 18 or older, sign a waiver, and read the official contest rules before participating.
The contest will take place on the festival’s “Hot Beats” stage alongside lively performances and a “Hot Ones Challenge” with Mayor Keven LeBlanc and Town Manager Dan Hoffman. Over at the “Cool Vibes” stage, visitors can enjoy acoustic performances, a Frozen dance-along, and icy music trivia.
Attendees can also expect inflatables, a snowball fight area, a s’mores station, and community games. Local food vendors will be serving everything from spicy snacks to frozen desserts.
Parking is available at Herndon Middle School, with complimentary shuttles running from the lot to the event throughout the day. Lynn Street, Herndon
Feature image, james/stock.adobe.com
