Posted October 14, 2002

Did you know that Cadiz, Kentucky, is in the Guiness Book of World Records?  That's right, Cadiz is home of the world's largest ham biscuit.  But don't tell that to the folks in Smithfield, VA.  Smithfield and Cadiz are in a fierce competition to claim that honor.

The world's largest ham biscuit was first created in 1985 during the 9th Annual Ham Festival in Cadiz.  Arch-rival Smithfield, VA, home to Smithfield Foods, has been trying to create a biscuit to match the size of Trigg's biscuit.  But they aren't having much luck.  It is reported that this year's ham biscuit from Smithfield is about two feet smaller in diameter than Cadiz's biscuit.  The biscuit stats for Cadiz is 10.5 feet in diameter and weighs 400 pounds. 

To make this monster, one needs 150 pounds of flour, 2 pounds of salt, 6.5 pounds of sugar, 39 pounds of shortening, 39 cups of water, 13 gallons of buttermilk, and 16 large baked country hams, among other ingredients.  Believe it or not, you can even eat the thing.

This year's annual Trigg County Ham Festival was held on October 5th through October 13th, 2002, and Cadiz still holds on to the title of having the world's largest ham biscuit.  Not only does the festival feature the enormous biscuit, you can participate in the rides at the park, stroll down main street at check out the 170-plus vendors, play games, listen to all kinds of live music, and even go to a car show.  Named one of the "Top Ten Fall Events" by the Kentucky Tourism Commission, the Trigg County Ham Festival attracts 80,000 people every year. 

Check out some of this year's Ham Festival photos.  Click for a larger photo.