A kids corn eating contest has been added to the activities at the second annual Tears of Joy Hot Sauce Expo so they have a fun competition that doesn’t necessarily involve spicy heat.
The name of the game is “cleaning off the cob as much as they can” within the time limit, explained organizer Neal Sherriff.
And the kids can use their hands to hold the cobs as they compete for prizes.
“The prize packs are still coming together as we receive donations. but it will be kid- and spice-oriented,” he said. “Depending on how many kids sign up they will definitely be divided by age group and then each age group will receive a prize.”
The contest gets underway at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, and it’s open to those 16 and younger. A link is on the expo Facebook page to register in advance.
The expo also includes no lack of spicy heat.
“Our very popular hot pepper eating contest is returning,” he noted. “We have Mike Jack Eats Heat coming from Ontario to attempt a Guinness World Record Hot Pepper Eating Attempt.”
The hot sauce expo is on Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Langley Riders Society grounds at 4303 208 St., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The Langley Food Bank will be onsite again accepting donations at the gate, and we have lots of things to give away to those who donate like stickers, posters and doughnuts,” he added.
Bring a donation and receive a thank you gift while supplies last, such as a spicy doughnut from Hollie at Punk Rock Pastries, a commemorative expo poster printed by the Walnut Grove Secondary Printing Class, or other items.
Non-perishable, non-expired food or cash donations are accepted.
“Last year, thanks to your generosity, we raised over $700 and collected three full bins of food,” he noted.
Those attending this year’s expo can also enjoy a day of live music by two bands – Muppet Boys and Chief State.
“We have 80 vendors booked in, ranging from hot sauces to artisanal food, food trucks, artists and more,” Sherriff added.
Play First Golf will be set up with golf games for people to try. Little Monsters is returning to provide face painting.
Sharpen Up Mobile Sharpening will be set up not only sharpening knives, shears, pruners and more for the public, but they will also be running fun knife skill competitions. People can register for sharpening services in advance online.
Speak Easy Podcast Studio will be set up to record and capture interviews.
People can expect to find hot sauces, foods that go well with hot sauces (tacos, burritos, barbecue, wings, hot dogs, novelty spiced food, and grilled corn), sampling, novelty spicy foods, jerky, peppers, pepper plants, and seeds, as well as adult beverages, non-alcoholic beverages, and sweets. Non-food vendors are also booked.
“We are very excited for year two. We planned to surpass the fun we had last year,” Sherriff said.
He hasn’t changed the recipe for this year’s event after the first successful one in 2025.
“What we did worked so well last year,” he said. “We didn’t want to change too much, just lean into the things that people really enjoyed and then add to that.
About 1,000 people attended last year, according to Sherriff, a self-proclaimed hot sauce lover.
He started the festival to spotlight local makers and bring in those from farther afield, figuring if he was a fan, there must be others who enjoy hot sauces and spicy foods.
“One big piece of feedback we received from lots of people was ‘Now this is how you do a hot sauce festival’ which I was so happy to hear. This was my vision of what a hot sauce festival should be, and I am so glad people enjoyed it,” he said.
But the expo includes elements for those who may not enjoy the heat, including with the food options.
“This is for the community so we would love to see everyone come out even if they don’t always like it hot, come check out the bands, the other vendors, the food trucks, and watch everyone else burn their taste buds,” he quipped.
