arts
No forks, no hands, no manners: Key West holds its 14th key lime pie eating contest on 4th of July
By Ana Maria Soler at CBS4 Miami
· July 4, 2026
· 3 min read
Everybody knows about the famous hot dog eating contest, but the Florida Keys are celebrating Fourth of July the Sunshine State way, with a key lime pie eating contest instead. The catch is that contestants cannot use forks! Twenty-four competitors competed Saturday at the Southernmost Beach Caf&eac
Key takeaway The Key lime pie originated on the island in the late 19th century.
Why this matters in The Miami
The Key Lime Pie Eating Championship in Key West is more than just a quirky celebration of the Sunshine State's official pie. It's a testament to the Florida Keys' unique cultural heritage and its ability to draw in visitors from across the country. As a major hub for Latin American and Caribbean communities, Miami and its surrounding areas, including the Keys, have a rich history of embracing vibrant traditions and festivals. The fact that this event has been held annually for 14 years, attracting over a hundred spectators, speaks to the enduring appeal of the Keys' laid-back, eclectic atmosphere. Moreover, the championship's focus on a dessert that originated in the late 19th century due to the area's lack of refrigeration highlights the resourcefulness and adaptability of the region's early settlers, traits that continue to shape the character of South Florida today.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: July 4, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Everybody knows about the famous hot dog eating contest, but the Florida Keys are celebrating Fourth of July the Sunshine State way, with a key lime pie eating contest instead. The catch is that contestants cannot use forks! Twenty-four competitors competed Saturday at the Southernmost Beach Caf&eac
When was this published? This article was first published on July 4, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ana Maria Soler at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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