FORT RILEY, Kan. -- Fall Apple Day festival brought laughter, smiles and entertainment to those who attended Sept. 23. During the festival, visitors were entertained by several events held on the main stage.
Events ranged from multiple pie eating contests, a performance by Schools of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills Unlimited, Modern Army Combative Program and a Pokémon inspired spelling bee, to name a few.
Pie Eating Contests
The entertainment began at 9:30 a.m. with the first of three Historical and Archaeological Society of Fort Riley's pie eating contest. The stage held eight contestants competing to consume the entirety of some apple pies.
During the competition, crumbs flew as participants stuffed their faces with their slices. A few of the contestants began to gag with their mouths stuffed with the fillings.
The crowd cheered on the contestants to the very end until one rose victorious.
Within minutes, Spc. Austin Craig, 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division rose as the victor.
"It was hard (because) you can't breathe," Craig said. "You just have to eat."
When asked about the HASFR apple pies he said, "it was really good."
The winner received a free slice of pie to share.
Modern Army Combative Program
To continue the theme of self-defense after SKIESUnlimited performances, Soldiers from the Modern Army Combative Program showcased a variety of tactical techniques including standing, hip throws and ground action techniques.
Combatives are techniques taught on arresting, restraining, weapon retention and controlling complaint, non-complaint and combative subjects.
Each combative technique took place in front of the main stage with dozens of attendees watching each Soldier flipping, throwing and mounting their opponents onto blue mats.
The final technique showcased was a ground action performance of arm, trap and roll through pass the guard.
Sgt. Amanda Larson, combative noncommissioned officer in charge, told the audience a Soldier can flip another Soldier twice their size to defend themselves.
"It doesn't matter the size or the weight of a person, the techniques are effective," Larson said. "As you can see, our little 103 pound Soldier can effectively pick up a person twice his size and hip throw them into a mounted position for dominance."
The audience watched as a Soldier flipped the Soldier who weighed more than 200 pounds, over his shoulder and onto the mat below.
Cheers from the audience followed each tactical technique performance.
"Minute to Win it" games
The Custer Hill Bowling Center changed gears as they engaged the audience in a "Minute to Win it" style game called fouling -- each game included bowling pins and a football.
The audience watched adults and kids compete in teams of two against one another for a certificate to visit the Custer Hill Bowling Center.
Several competitors applied the bowling technique to knock down pins while other teams went for a direct hit style approach.
Bystanders cheered on their respective teams as pins continued to fall throughout three individual games.
The "Minute to Win it" style game was inspired by the newly added Tailgating Zone at Custer Hill Bowling Center.
"The Tailgating Zone will have flat screen televisions, football-everything," said Andrea Ruiz, assistant business manager at Custer Hill Bowling. "We are going to have fouling games, ring toss, Jenga GIANT and cornhole. We are going to have pizza, chicken wings, beer and soda packages (available to purchase) or just enjoy the space."
As the games concluded, kids ran up to the fouling game for their chance to knock down pins. Staff at the Custer Hill Bowling Center passed out coupons after the event to those who watched the games unfold.
Overall, the entertainment portion of Fall Apple Day festival brought laughter and smiles to those who watched the events. While those who competed left with prizes and, for some, a slice of a HASFR's apple pie.
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