The Annual Fried Chicken Eating Contest

 Billy Fried Chicken woke up Saturday morning like he always did. Off he took his night bucket, and after he dressed himself in his usual white T-shirt and overalls, he placed his going-out bucket on top of his head, and departed his trailer.  The difference between this Saturday morning and the other Saturday mornings, was today was the annual fried chicken eating contest at the county fair, and he intended to keep his streak of championships going.

When he arrived at the fair, he made his pleasantries with the fair goers, and then navigated toward the contestant booth.  Already waiting there was Chris Crispy Fingers, and Miss Melanie Marrow.  They each nodded to one another, and shortly after they saw Bubba Bones sauntering up. He walked with the confidence that said " Not this year Billy", and he met Billy's gaze to confirm it.

The contestants were all seated, and the Grand Fowlmeister announced the rules, despite their intimate familiarity with them already. Lady Ligament strutted over to "The Coop", where the supply of fried chicken rested, and unveiled the pyramid of buckets, each full to the brim with drumsticks and wings in equal amounts.

Lady Ligament passed out two buckets to each contestant to begin with, as was tradition, and when they were ready, the Grand Fowlmeister commenced the contest. They each finished their two buckets together, but by the end of the third the gap began to widen.  Chris Crispy Fingers tailed off first, with Miss Melanie Marrow close behind.  They always gave great efforts, but everyone knew the real competition was between Billy and Bubba.

They each finished their fourth, fifth, and sixth buckets at nearly the same time, and likewise began to slow by their seventh.  They continued on; as long as they were actively eating the whole time, their pacing could slow.  A single drumstick remained in each bucket, and it was clear that's all either of them could handle.  Bite by bite they managed their way through the appendage, and when they both finished, they dropped the bone in the bucket, and the Grand Fowlmeister announced "A tie! For the first time in the history of this fried chicken eating contest, we have two joint winners!"

Billy and Bubba turned to each other, and raised their hands for a high-five.  But Bubba's hand missed as Billy's reached higher and he called with a heavy breath ". . .eight!."  The crowd silenced, and after she recovered from her shock, Lady Ligament brought Billy his eighth bucket.  Billy attacked this bucket with new vigor, and managed to finish it.  Bubba sat back, completely impressed, and when the bucket was finished, he stood up and applauded Billy.  The crowd erupted in cheers, and Billy stood with fists raised high.

The Grand Folwmeister donned Billy with his seventh golden wing, and Billy looked out at the crowd.  Tears dribbled down his cheeks, and he gave Bubba a big hug.  Though rivals, the two of them had much respect for each other.  They departed the stage to attend the rest of the fair, and ponder the events of the day.