Athens Main Street representatives on Wednesday said “more than 2,000 people” attended the annual Athens Grease Festival Saturday in downtown Athens.

Executive Director Melanie Newton thanked volunteers, sponsors and merchants who participated in the event. She also thanked the city of Athens, Limestone County and the Main Street board of directors.

“The annual Athens Grease Festival was a great success,” she said in a press release. “Athens Main Street is able to host this festival because of the hard work and dedication of all who participate.”

Newton’s sentiments were shared by board member Laurie Glenn, who also thanked participants.

“It is always fun to see our community and visitors come together to eat, play and visit at one of the quirkiest festivals in Alabama,” she said.

Attendees paid a $5 admission fee. Proceeds are used to benefit downtown revitalization efforts.

Saturday’s ceremony was opened by the East Limestone High School marching band. Other music acts included Wild Whimsies, Tom McClung, Of Kith and Kin, Jimmy Henderson Duo, Steel City Jug Slammers and Matt Prater.

Skyway Man, a Nashville-based group, closed out the festival and performed with members of the Athens High School marching band.

Events included the Hometown Grocery frozen turkey toss, Dub’s hamburger eating contest, best toga contest and best fried food. Winners were as follows:

Turkey toss

Jason Pendergrass with a distance of 32 feet. It was his third time to win the contest.

Burger-eating contest, child

Gakobey Gill

Burger-eating contest, adult

Gregory Gill with three burgers in two minutes

Best toga, adult

Jerry Barnes, first; Shannon Shelton, second; and Susie Palacios, third

Best toga, child

Hollis McNutt, first; Emmalee Prater, second; and Rachel Adornetto, third

Best toga, pet

Lily Palacios, first; and Lace Prater, second

Food contests

• Most Outrageous: Fried Candy Corn, Brad Curnutt;

• Best Fried Veggie: Fried Artichoke with Spicy Sauce, Village Pizza;

• Best Fried Dessert: Fried Apple Pie, Our Little Kitchen Food Truck;

• Best Fried Meat: Fried Catfish, Sweetest Things Tea Room

— Details for this story provided by Blake Williams.