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By C.Y. Peters

The Peters Hollow Egg Fight, one of the longest-running Easter traditions in America, is set to celebrate its 200th event this year on Easter Sunday, April 20, at 2 p.m. Hosted at the Norman Peters home, just before the left turn to Union Hill Church, this historic event has deep roots dating back to 1823.

A Tradition Begins

The first egg fight was held at Laurel Branch, chosen for its wide, open space to accommodate a large gathering. Five years later, it moved to Pin Hook, near what is now the fire department. Around 1833, the event found its permanent home in Peters Hollow, where it has been held ever since.

In its earliest days, the egg fight was as much a social event as it was a competition. Men wore their finest suits, women donned new spring gowns and elegant hats, and children dressed in their Sunday best. Eggs were dyed using natural pigments from coon root, onion hulls, green grass and rye, boiled in large kettles and transported in wheelbarrows. The rules were simple: only chicken eggs were allowed, and the focus was on good, clean fun—no drinking, just friendly competition.

Legendary Locations and Champions

The Mike Peters farm hosted the event for many years before Ray Lowe took over, hosting it at his property until the late 1970s. It then moved across the street to Buster and Betts Peters’ home, where it remained for nearly 30 years. After Betts’ passing, the fight transitioned to the backyard of her son, Norman Peters, where it has continued for over 25 years.

Over the years, several competitors have carved their names into the event’s history. Jerry Peters holds the record with seven championship wins, while his family has claimed numerous victories in different divisions. Ruth Jones leads the women’s division with six titles. Mike Scott of Unicoi has six wins, as does Ray Lowe, who, dominant in the 1950s, also has six wins. Some fights have come down to the very last egg, including one year when a competitor won with only half an egg left.

Memorable Moments

While the event has always been about friendly rivalry, some moments stand out. In 1952, longtime contestant C.W. Rambo got married on Good Friday, just before the egg fight. The celebration was held nearby, allowing him to participate in both events. In 1959, Nancy Bradley, in her 80s, competed, continuing a tradition she had participated in since age 5.

One of the most famous eggs in history was the “Blue Blocker,” which became a legend in the 1962 fight, breaking over 800 eggs in a single day. In 1968, Ruth Jones finally won her first title after five consecutive second-place finishes, bringing 65 dozen eggs in preparation. The event later introduced a six-dozen egg limit to ensure fairness and keep the competition from lasting too long.

New Generations and Growing Divisions

The 1972 egg fight saw an unexpected champion when 19-year-old college freshman Randy Lacy took home the title, marking a generational shift. By 1975, a children’s division was introduced, with Roger Andes, grandson of Ray Lowe, winning the first-ever title. In 1990, a junior division (ages 2-8) was added, with Alice Peters as its inaugural winner. More divisions followed, including the 2-7 category in 1991 and the 0-4 division in 2006, which was later adjusted to 0-2. Carson Peters was the first winner of this category.

A Community Tradition Like No Other

The Peters Hollow Egg Fight has drawn notable attendees, including Congressman Jimmy Quillen in the 1960s and ’70s and local officeholder Audie Hardin, who once finished second. Many families view the event as more significant than Christmas, with people returning home for Easter to participate in the egg fight and reconnect with loved ones over a meal and stories of past competitions.

As the 200th Peters Hollow Egg Fight approaches, the excitement continues to build. The event is open to all, with age divisions starting at 2 p.m. for ages 0-2, 3-7 and 8-12. The adult division typically begins around 3 p.m.

Plan to attend this historic 200th event, bring your eggs and become part of a legacy that has stood the test of time!