[1][2][3] The Spamarama began in 1978 as a joke between David Arnsberger and his friend, Dick Terry, who believed there were too many barbecue and chili cook-offs.

Arnsberger was one of the frontmen for the Uranium Savages, the Austin parody band, which had a gig already booked on April Fools' Day at Soap Creek Saloon on Bee Cave Road.

Austinites liked the opportunity to compete in events like the pig-shouting contests, to dress in costume, and come up with creative Spam and pig pun-themed dishes.

Hormel eventually located David Arnsberger and worked out a contract with him and Sharon Kincl, which gave them the sole rights to use the Spamarama name in perpetuity royalty free.

Later it was held at venues such as Scholz Garten, La Zona Rosa, Auditorium Shores, East Sixth Street, the Cedar Door and Waterloo Park (2006, 2007).

The Austin Chronicle reported: “Record-breaking cold couldn’t stop the athletes from impressing the crowds with their canned-meat cramming skills.”[6][5][4] The Smithsonian documented the 2007 Spamarama in film.

Founder David Arnsberger teamed up with Josh Bumb, co-owner of the south Austin Moontower Saloon to revive the unique festival.

[4] Hundreds came to the Moontower Saloon in South Austin to honor the canned meat and experience the creativity, athletic competition and live music.

Past event judges included former city council member Max Nofziger, Bob Cole, Joyce and Mel and Mary Vance, John Kelso, Eddie Wilson, David Spooner, Margaret Moser, Liz Carpenter, Paul Prudhomme, and John Myers.