Bonnie Swalwell Eibert
Photo Courtesy Of Iowa PBS/YouTube
There’s nothing more American than the flag, apple pie and … women screaming their husband’s names at the top of their lungs?
Check out the Husband Calling Contest, a tradition that takes place each August at the Iowa State Fair. It’s all part of the “Rural Americana Olde Tyme Competitions.”
Women of all ages, and all walks of life, take to the stage for the chance to win a whopping five bucks and the priceless reward of embarrassing their spouse. Some have voices that are shrill, others booming and a few even sing out their hubby’s name. It’s a cacophony of ear-splitting sounds, rivaled only by the pig-calling contest.
Last year’s winner was 94-year-old Bonnie Swalwell Eibert, who said she has taken part in the contest for at least 40 years. We aren’t sure if her husband is still around, but if he isn’t he most likely could hear her from beyond the grave.
In all fairness, mothers get in on the fun with the Mom Calling Contest. Kids get creative asking for food or tattling on their siblings (“Mom, Josh hit me!” screamed one). Another threatened to cut off their mother’s TV privileges if she didn’t come.
Last year’s winner was a 5-year-old girl named Olivia who told her mom, in no uncertain terms, that she wanted candy. And with the five dollars she won, she could get it.
Visit iowastatefair.org