BY C.Y. Peters

The Annual Egg Fight that began in 1823 in Peters Hollow has now spread across the United States. Winners from Carter County to Pasco, Wash., were announced Easter Sunday with the Colbaugh Family taking the first three places in Peters Hollow. For the first time in 59 years, Dale Colbaugh finished in the top three, losing only to his daughter Hannah and his wife Gloria, who was crowned this year’s champ. Nearly 30 participants entered the senior division and close to 50 in all other divisions competed to be 2018 Egg Fighting Champion.

In other states, Allison Carters in Apex, N.C., hosted the North Carolina battle,  and Emily Lynne Peters Mus and family had an egg fight at their home in Redmond, Wash. The Easter Bunny attended this year’s Peters Hollow event and in Southern Oregon, the Llamas were judges. Larry Peters’ daughter, Marion Peters Denard, in Southern Oregon was egg fight champion in Jacksonville.

Sunday’s main event began around 3 p.m. in Norman Peters’ backyard after the younger divisions finished. Madlyan Peters took the 0-3 division with Owen Kamp coming in second place. Trophies were awarded for the top two places, while certificates were awarded to all participants this year. In the 4-6-year-olds, Aubrey Collins took top honors with Michael Montgomery as runner-up. Calyx Dougherty was the winner in the junior division and Seth Henry finished second. Henry has finished in first or second place every year since 2007.

As the eggs were cracked the field began getting smaller and when last year’s champ, Mike Scott, dropped out near 10th place everyone knew the battle was up for grabs. When Jeff Peters and his family members, who represent eight-time winner Jerry Peters, began dropping out all four of Dale Colbaugh’s family were still in the fight. Dale’s oldest daughter Amy was the first to go, leaving her sister, mom and dad to make the finals. Patton Arnold finished fifth this year which was his closest shot at winning. Arnold said, “I’ll be back next year.”

“Dale was just out-egged this year with three ladies in the final four,” stated head Judge Adam Buckles. Gloria won the contest with only two eggs remaining, beating her daughter, four-time champion, Hannah. Finishing fourth place was Lauryn McGinnis, who hadn’t been a contestant since she was five.

About a dozen politicians showed up to shake hands and ask people for their vote. Grand Ole Opry Superstar Carson Peters and the Easter Bunny could be seen taking photos with many of the candidates and the children.