Route 66 in the News
Oatman to Hold Annual Egg Fry
2008-06-08 16:55:08
OATMAN, Ariz. - Every year July 4 is celebrated as the date in 1776 the U.S. announced its independence to the world.
Like the rest of the country, the Tri-state, too, celebrates the Fourth with a day off, picnics, relaxation and fireworks.
Residents of Oatman, however, go the rest of the river communities one better on July 4, according to Fred R. Eck.
“Every year on the Fourth of July -- no matter what day it falls on -- Oatman holds its annual Sidewalk Egg Fry on the sidewalks of Old Route 66,” Eck said.
And again this year, the Oatman Chamber of Commerce is inviting actual and would-be sidewalk chefs, and anyone else who has a mind to try, to test their sidewalk culinary skills in the 18th renewal of the competition. For many, it could be a once-in-a-lifetime event, as “sidewalk egg fries are not a common event in this country,” he added.
“First of all, you need a lot of heat. Well, there, we qualify,” Eck continued. “So you may ask, why we do this? 'Cause it's ‘egg'citing.'”
So, just how long does it take to fry an egg on the sidewalks of Oatman?
“Probably too long,” he responded.
Accordingly, the chamber has devised a set of rules to govern the contest and to make the improbable at least possible. Participants have 15 minutes from the time they start to fry an egg. Each contestant or team is given two eggs, supplied by the chamber, with one for backup.
Since 15 minutes is probably not enough time for Old Sol to do the job without assistance, unless the temperature on that day breaks every record known to man, contestants are allowed to give Mother Nature a boost in the heat department, within reason, of course. Here's a few hints, according to Eck.
“Get yourself a fry pan, aluminum foil, magnifying glass, solar panel, anything to help stir up the heat, but no direct fire. Only solar heat is permitted,” he said.
He urged entrants to be creative.
“It's fun, it's crazy and the things people do to fry their eggs is just plain entertaining. And above all, it's free,” Eck continued, but added a word of caution. “However, watch out for the burros, they like to get into the act.”
One of the Oatman gunfighters will fire a pistol exactly at noon to signal the start of the main event. Also planned for the day are periodic gunfights in Main Street and other town-wide events. Food, refreshments and live music also will be featured.
For more information regarding July 4 events in Oatman, call the chamber at 928-768-6222 or 928-458-0497.
~MohaveDailyNews.com
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