Invercargill man Chris McIlwrick, who only came along initially to observe, was the overall winner of the annual competition in Cromwell from 133 entrants vying to see who could spit a cherry stone the farthest.
He spat a stone 11.17m, 4.78m short of the record set by Tui Smith in 2023.
He was in the area on holiday with his family and decided to take part for a bit of fun alongside his daughter and said he credited the fact he did a lot of talking as having given him the winning edge on the day.
Winner of the adult women’s category, Charlene Chardon, from France, was in Central Otago picking cherries on a working holiday.
She decided to enter the competition with her friend as it was not something she would regularly do.
"Let's do it," she thought to herself before entering. She went on to win her category with a spit of 7.92m.
Participation in the competition organised by Cromwell and Districts Promotions Group this year was more than double that of last year, and was the best turnout since before Covid-19.
Participants paid $2 to spit three stones, with the cherries and prizes provided by Jackson Orchards.
Cromwell and Districts Promotions Group marketing and communication manager Tanya Dennis said that hosting the competition at the same time was quite fitting and added to the atmosphere of the event.
The competition, which has been held since 2006, was a bit of lighthearted yet competitive family fun, she said.
- By Ella Jenkins
