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The truth about the world’s biggest Cheeto
When you open a bag of Cheetos, you never know what you’re going to get. Each bite-sized cheesy puff varies in shape and size, making snacking a delightful surprise. But imagine stumbling across a Cheeto the size of a lemon! That’s exactly what happened to Navy Petty Officer Mike Evans in 2003, leading to the discovery of the world’s largest Cheeto.
Finding the Giant Cheeto
Petty Officer Mike Evans, stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was in for a shock when he discovered the giant Cheeto in his pocket. It was significantly larger than any other Cheeto he had ever seen. Intrigued by its size, Evans first tried to sell the giant puff on eBay. But his auction was canceled when bids exceeded $1 million. Determined to find a new home for the world’s largest Cheeto, Evans decided to donate it to the town of Algona, Iowa.
Algona, Iowa’s new attraction
Algona, a farming town in Iowa, won the bidding for the giant Cheeto with an auction contribution of $180. Local disc jockey Brian Wilson spearheaded the fundraising effort, urging listeners to pitch in for this unique tourist attraction. While Evans declined the money, he asked that it be donated to local food banks instead. This act of generosity not only brought the world’s largest Cheeto to Algona, but also put the town on the map as one of Iowa’s Largest Things.
A Tourist Attraction
Since its arrival in 2003, the World’s Largest Cheeto has drawn the attention of countless tourists. Visitors have marveled at its unusual size and snapped pictures of the Cheeto resting on a purple velvet pillow, safely encased in protective fiberglass. The snack food anomaly has become a source of pride for the town’s 5,700 residents and has even been featured in books such as “Iowa Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff” and “The United States of Awesome: Fun, Fascinating and Bizarre Trivia about the Greatest Country in the Universe.
Bottom Line
The World’s Largest Cheeto is a testament to the unexpected wonders that can be found in everyday life. Petty Officer Mike Evans’ discovery captured the imagination of people around the world, leading to a generous act of giving and the creation of a unique tourist attraction in Algona, Iowa. This larger-than-life Cheeto continues to intrigue and fascinate visitors, reminding us that sometimes the most extraordinary things can come from the simplest of sources.
References
– “The Truth About The World’s Largest Cheeto” by Jorie Mark, Mashed (https://www.mashed.com/217853/the-truth-about-the-worlds-largest-cheeto/)
FAQS
The world’s largest Cheeto was discovered in 2003 by Navy Petty Officer Mike Evans. It was significantly larger than a regular Cheeto, resembling the size of a lemon.
Where was the World’s Largest Cheeto originally auctioned?
Navy Petty Officer Mike Evans first tried to sell the giant Cheeto on eBay. But the auction was canceled when bids exceeded $1 million.
What happened to the world’s largest Cheeto after the failed auction?
After the failed auction, the World’s Largest Cheeto found a new home in Algona, Iowa. The town won the bidding with a contribution of $180.
Why did the owner donate the world’s largest Cheeto to Algona, Iowa?
Navy Petty Officer Mike Evans decided to donate the giant Cheeto to Algona because he thought it would be a great tourist attraction for the town. He wanted to change the face of northern Iowa and put Algona on the map.
What happened to the money from the auction?
Although the auction raised money for the World’s Largest Cheeto, Navy Petty Officer Mike Evans refused to accept it. Instead, he asked that the money be donated to local food banks.
What has become of the World’s Largest Cheeto since it arrived in Algona, Iowa?
Since the world’s largest Cheeto arrived in Algona in 2003, it has become a popular tourist attraction. Visitors come from near and far to see and photograph the Cheeto, which is displayed on a purple velvet pillow and protected by fiberglass.