MARFA — An arm wrestling competition benefitting the Marfa Education Foundation (MEF) will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at Planet Marfa.
The event was conceived of and planned by Marfa resident Christy Miller, formerly of Marfa Meats. “This community is full of amazing people with diverse interests, but we don’t have nearly enough opportunities to remind us how connected we all are,” Miller said. The idea was inspired by a close friend who passed away in 2021. “I’m always looking for ways to channel Jeffrey Hester, who loved both Marfa and an opportunity to talk a little smack.”
As of now, 76 locals are signed up to go head-to-head in a battle of upper body strength in bracket-style matches with two winners, one male and one female, taking the title. Each winner will receive bar tabs donated by Planet Marfa, event swag, and most importantly, bragging rights.
Allison Scott, a retired educator and former Marfa ISD principal, was one of the first to sign up to compete. “A few weeks ago, I found out my opponent will be Malinda Beeman. We are ready to trash talk and compete with all the strength of old ladies! The art teacher better bring her A-game if she wants to take down the principal,” Scott said.
Attendees are encouraged to show support by donating to MEF in honor of their favored competitor. “We are so grateful to Christy for putting this event together and to everyone who is brave enough to compete,” said Marfa Education Foundation Executive Director Abby Boyd.
This year MEF has budgeted more than $220,000 for things like classroom supplies, travel to
educational competitions, professional development for teachers and facility upgrades to Marfa
ISD. “Events like this are a great way to get the community involved,” Boyd said. MEF’s mission
is to support and enhance the work of the Marfa ISD through enrichment projects that support
education.
The event is free and open to the public. To learn more, visit marfaeducationfoundation.org.