Central Floridians are invited to test their belly flopping skills this weekend as Franco’s Flop Fest returns to Baldwin Park.
Back for a fifth year, the “biggest flop of the year” takes over part of New Broad Street Sunday at noon with dozens of competitors competing for the title of top flopper. The event is the brainchild of Cholo Dogs owner Franco Furtero, who hosts the event with Florida Citrus Sports in front of Tactical Brewing.
“It is a competition for the best belly flopper in Orlando, actually the world. It’s a world championship,” Furtero said. “It is Earth’s premier belly flop contest; that is our tagline.”
Competitors, who can register ($35) online at francosflopfest.com in advance or on the day of the event until 1 p.m., are judged based on creativity, sound, splash, impact and showmanship. Some of the costumes have gotten creative over the years, including beavers, hot dogs, sumo suits, wrestling cosplay, scuba gear and more.
Furtero said many spectators are drawn in by the off-kilter, unique event that can’t be found anywhere else, at least not in Central Florida.
Franco’s Flop Fest returns to Baldwin Park on Sept. 20 with dozens of floppers competing for the top prize. (Herb Maximo/Courtesy of Cholo Dogs)
“When you hear that like, ‘Oh wow, they’re building a pool in the middle of the road and people are belly flopping, that’s something that you definitely want to go to,’” he said. “I think it’s curiosity and it’s fear of missing out. People don’t want to miss something, and if they know that it’s in their backyard, they’re going to want to go to it.”
The event has grown from about 500 spectators in the first year to more than 2,000. This year features the event’s biggest footprint yet with “wild surprises in store.”
In addition to the contest, the event also includes beverages from Tactical Brewing, live music and food trucks. This event also marks the return of Cholo Dogs.
Franco’s Flop Fest returns to Baldwin Park on Sept. 20 with dozens of floppers competing for the top prize. (Herb Maximo/Courtesy Cholo Dogs)
“Cholo Dogs has not served a hot dog in over 450 days, and they will be returning to Franco’s Flop Fest,” Furtero said. “People are going to be excited about that one.”
All of this was born out of a desire to bring something new and exciting to Orlando.
“We just wanted to do something fun in Orlando,” Furtero said. “Why not belly flopping?”
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If you go
Franco’s Flop Fest opens at noon with the belly flop contest starting at 1:45 p.m. Sept. 20 at 4882 New Broad St. in Orlando. Registration is open for last-minute participants. The entry fee is $35. The event is free to attend for spectators. More information: francosflopfest.com