Florida is known for a variety of off-kilter contests, from Sanford’s couch racing derby to the annual Florida Man Games, and this weekend’s belly flop contest in Orlando is certainly no exception.
Franco’s Flop Fest, which is being held by Florida Citrus Sports, lands in Baldwin Park this Sunday, giving 40 floppers the opportunity to test their splashes to see who emerges as the champion. Presented by Cholo Dogs, the showdown will take place on the street outside of Tactical Brewing.
“Competitors are judged based on showmanship, splash, and, most importantly, sound. You definitely want to hear the belly smacking the water,” said Franco Furtero, the main man behind Cholo Dogs. Three judges will decide who takes the top prize on a scale of 1-10.
The event has grown to include thousands of spectators.
“We went from a parking lot to shutting down a street. We went from 500 people to about 2,000 people watching,” Furtero said. “We’re going to have a live band, Oklahoma Stackhouse. There’s going to be a vendor market, food trucks and special beer releases from Tactical Brewing.”
Franco’s Flop Fest returns to Baldwin Park on Sept. 14 with 40 floppers competing for the top prize. (Pascal Fouquet/Courtesy Cholo Dogs)
Some of the reigning champions from previous events may make an appearance at this year’s competition.
“The first year’s winner had a really good flop, great showmanship and a costume. The second year, the guy had no costume, but he was so red afterward from the flop,” Furtero said. “Last year, we had ‘Handsome Dan’ who dressed up as Macho Man. He got super high up in the air and smacked down pretty hard.”
The winner receives a 2-foot-tall hot dog trophy, but the most important prize is bragging rights.
“Mainly, you get the pride of being the belly flop champion of the world,” Furtero said.
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If you go
Franco’s Flop Fest is from noon-5 p.m. Sept. 14 at 4882 New Broad St. in Orlando. Registration is still open for last-minute participants. The entry fee is $35. The event is free to attend for spectators. More information: cholodogs.com
