Big Whopper Liar's Contest

Festival Location: New Harmony, IN, USA

Festival State: Indiana Festivals

Festival Type: Bizarre Festivals

By: © Nelson Taylor 2009

When I call Jeff Fleming about the Big Whopper Liar's Contest, he says, "You're in the wrong place, buddy. Who you trying to reach again?" After a little more back-and-forth, I realize he's doing what he does best, he's pulling the wool over my ears.

Every 3rd Saturday in September since 1988, men and women have gathered in New Harmony to celebrate the tall tale. The event was started by local trickster Aubry Robison, Jr., but after his death several years ago, Fleming took over the helm. About fifteen contestants take the stage in front of a crowd of maybe 400. They get four minutes to spin the most incredible yarn they can come up with. A team of judges award points for exaggeration, humor, stage presence and storytelling ability. This event, which will cost contestants and spectators alike $5 to enter, is now a part of Kunstfest, a weekend-long German period festival.