{"id":402836,"date":"2026-09-17T20:30:22","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T20:30:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/402836\/"},"modified":"2026-09-17T20:30:22","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T20:30:22","slug":"francos-flop-fest-splashes-into-baldwin-park-this-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/402836\/","title":{"rendered":"Franco’s Flop Fest splashes into Baldwin Park this weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"

Central Floridians are invited to test their belly flopping skills this weekend as Franco\u2019s Flop Fest<\/a> returns to Baldwin Park.<\/p>\n

Back for a fifth year, the \u201cbiggest flop of the year\u201d 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<\/a> owner Franco Furtero, who hosts the event with Florida Citrus Sports<\/a> in front of Tactical Brewing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is a competition for the best belly flopper in Orlando, actually the world. It\u2019s a world championship,\u201d Furtero said. \u201cIt is Earth\u2019s premier belly flop contest; that is our tagline.\u201d<\/p>\n

Competitors, who can register ($35) online at francosflopfest.com<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

Furtero said many spectators are drawn in by the off-kilter, unique event that can\u2019t be found anywhere else, at least not in Central Florida.<\/p>\n

\"Franco'sFranco\u2019s Flop Fest returns to Baldwin Park on Sept. 20 with dozens of floppers competing for the top prize. (Herb Maximo\/Courtesy of Cholo Dogs)<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you hear that like, \u2018Oh wow, they\u2019re building a pool in the middle of the road and people are belly flopping, that\u2019s something that you definitely want to go to,’\u201d he said. \u201cI think it\u2019s curiosity and it\u2019s fear of missing out. People don\u2019t want to miss something, and if they know that it\u2019s in their backyard, they\u2019re going to want to go to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The event has grown from about 500 spectators in the first year to more than 2,000. This year features the event\u2019s biggest footprint yet with \u201cwild surprises in store.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Franco'sFranco’s Flop Fest returns to Baldwin Park on Sept. 20 with dozens of floppers competing for the top prize. (Herb Maximo\/Courtesy Cholo Dogs)<\/p>\n

\u201cCholo Dogs has not served a hot dog in over 450 days, and they will be returning to Franco\u2019s Flop Fest,\u201d Furtero said. \u201cPeople are going to be excited about that one.\u201d<\/p>\n

All of this was born out of a desire to bring something new and exciting to Orlando.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just wanted to do something fun in Orlando,\u201d Furtero said. \u201cWhy not belly flopping?\u201d<\/p>\n

Find me\u00a0@PConnPie on Instagram<\/a>\u00a0or send me an email:\u00a0pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at\u00a0orlandosentinel.com\/newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you go<\/p>\n

Franco\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n

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