Vegreville Aims for World Record in Egg-on-Spoon Race

Vegreville, Alberta, endeavored to set a new world record for the largest egg-on-spoon race on Saturday, October 14, 2023. The event took place at Pysanka Park, approximately one hour east of Edmonton, where participants gathered in hopes of surpassing the current record of 2,039 set during the 2024 International Egg Festival in Jalisco, Mexico.

Organiser Jamieson Brown expressed optimism about the turnout, aiming for around 2,500 participants. “It’s going to take us a few days to total all of the numbers to make sure that everybody was accounted for,” he noted. Regardless of the outcome, Brown highlighted the impressive participation, with some attendees traveling from as far away as Ontario.

The event’s picturesque setting featured the Vegreville Pysanka, the world’s largest Easter egg, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Brown remarked on the significance of the Pysanka to the community, stating, “That Pysanka means a tremendous amount to our community.” The iconic Ukrainian-style egg attracts an estimated 60,000 to 80,000 visitors annually.

Participants in the egg-on-spoon race faced a challenge over a distance of 100 metres within a ten-minute time frame. To qualify for the world record, Brown explained, no more than 10 percent of participants can drop their egg during the race. The event was meticulously organized, featuring cameras, stewards, and monitoring systems to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Local resident Brandon Metchooyeah, who has lived in Vegreville for 14 years, expressed hope that the race would enhance the town’s reputation. “We’re known for the world’s largest Easter egg, now we’re going to be known for the egg challenge,” he said. Another participant, Scott Kucherawy, felt confident about the task ahead, stating, “It’s not that hard. Just have to walk 100 metres with it.”

All eggs used in the race were donated by local egg farmers, with an option for participants to either take their egg home or return it to the organizers for a food bank donation. Brown playfully mentioned the possibility of creating a large omelette if all the eggs were returned, adding, “If we can find a way to get all of the seasoning and the accoutrements, maybe we’ll have a big omelette.”

The community’s response to this “silly attempt” has been heartwarming for Brown, who noted, “We’re incredibly blessed … it really means the world to us.” As Vegreville continues to embrace its unique identity and heritage, this record-setting attempt serves as a reminder of the town’s vibrant spirit and togetherness.