Jiminy Cricket! Wis. dad spits bug almost 23 feet to win contest, son wins in junior division

Wisconsin dad, son excel at cricket-spitting

MARSHFIELD, Wis. — When it comes to spitting a cricket for distance, the central Wisconsin talent seems concentrated in one Marshfield family. Brian Johnsrud spat a thawed cricket 22 feet, 8 inches at the Central Wisconsin State Fair on Saturday. Minutes later, his son Jared shot his cricket 10 feet, 5 inches to win the 9-to-11 age division.

Brian Johnsrud said the key is to pick the biggest cricket and put it upside down on your tongue. He also said you have to take the deep breath before putting the cricket in your mouth, so you don’t swallow the critter.

Daniel Word, 7, won the competition among 5- to 8-year-olds. After spitting his cricket 9 feet, 11 inches, he said it wasn’t easy.

The event drew enough interest that organizers say they’ll make it an annual affair.

Information from: Marshfield News-Herald, www.marshfieldnewsherald.com