Stanhope State University is proud to present the first (ever) Lutefisk Eating Contest at the 2026 Scandinavian Days in Story City on Friday, June 5th!

Complete official rules and guidelines are below.

REGISTER FOR THE EATING CONTEST BY CLICKING HERE

If you have any questions about the Lutefisk Eating Contest, email admissions@stanhopestate.com or call/text 515-402-6715.

CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION:

Stanhope State University Lutefisk Eating Contest
Scandinavian Days
Friday, June 5, 2026
Football Field
1012 Broad St
Story City, IA 50248

CONTEST SCHEDULE:
5:00 – 5:30 PM --- Athlete registration at the northside of the concession stand
5:45 PM --- Mandatory athletes check in at the Stanhope State Tent
6:00 PM --- Championship festivities begin

WHAT’S ON THE LINE – The Lutefisk Eating Contest Champion will receive:
•    $100 cash prize
•    Lutefisk Eating Championship Belt
•    World-renowned glory
•    A secured place in history Small Town Iowa Immortality
•    No one can ever question your Nordic heritage, whether your relatives came from there or not.

COMPETITION RULES:
•    This event is FREE to enter.
•    Must be age 14 and up.
•    To participate, you will have to sign a waiver at check in.
•    It's simple, first athlete to finish their plate of lutefisk in the shortest amount of time without using their hands, wins.
•    Hands free eating is required, all the lutefisk must be consumed and not regurgitated or spit up (this will result in ejection from the contest) prior to the completion of the contest.
•    Plate must be clear, completion of the lutefisk eating is to be decided by a judge, not the contestant.
•    The judges have the final authority regarding all contest related matters and may cancel the contest at any time.
•    In the event of a tie, the athletes will participate in a second round of “sudden death” eating. The first to finish their portion of lutefisk, wins, or so on, until a winner is declared.
•    No alcohol allowed, athletes suspected of being intoxicated prior to the championship will be disqualified from competition.
•    Online preregistration ends Thursday, June 4th at 12:00pm (noon)
•    Must be present to win.
•    Rules and guidelines are subject to change.
•    Void where prohibited.