Barbara Cornelius of Prescott had never been to the Emerson PurpleHulll Pea Festival before Saturday. She walked away as the new world purple hull pea shelling champion.
Joining the competition on stage, Cornelius won the World Cup PurpleHull Pea Shelling Competition, shelling 11-3/4 ounces of peas in a 5 minute period, besting her nearest competitor by over an ounce.
This was still considerably off the world record of 17-3/4 ounces set in 2007 by Doeleta Weaver. Weaver did not compete this year.
Marla Hanson of Emerson was second, and Denise Grooms of Magnolia third.
In the youth division, for ages 11 to 17, Taretha Coulter of Little Rock took top honors, shelling 7-3/4 ounces. Tiona Ferguson was second, and Tierra Ferguson third.
In the childrens division, for ages 10 and under, Hunter Hanson of Emerson placed first, shelling 4-3/4 ounces. Alunee Coulter of Little Rock was second, and Lucas Edens of Springhill, Louisiana, was third.
The World Cup PurpleHull Pea Shelling Competition was sponsored by Lake Sue Nursery & Farm Supply.
Full results:
Adult Division:
1. Barbara Cornelius Prescott, Ark., 11-3/4 oz.
2. Marla Hanson Emerson, Ark., 10-1/8 oz.
3. Denise Grooms Magnolia, Ark., 9-3/4 oz.
Youth Division (ages 11-17):
1. Taretha Coulter Little Rock, Ark., 7-3/4 oz.
2. Tiona Ferguson Emerson, Ark., 6-1/2 oz.
3. Tierra Ferguson Emerson, Ark., 5-1/2 oz.
Children (up to age 10)
1. Hunter Hanson Emerson, Ark., 4-3/4 oz.
2. Alunee Coulter Little Rock, Ark., 3-1/8 oz.
3. Lucas Edens Springhill, La., 2-1/2 oz.
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