Contestants bellied up to the table to participate in a Key Lime pie eating contest, just one of a number of speed eating contests to mark the U.S. Independence Day on Monday.

Twenty-four people participated in the event which requires contestants to devour a huge Key Lime pie without using their hands.

"A lot of people say nothing is more American than apple pie but the fact is apple pie was first created in Europe. So, really you can say nothing is more American than key lime pie because it was made right here in Key West, Florida," said contest co-producer David Sloan.

Key Lime pie is a signature dish in the area and is made with condensed milk, egg yolks and Key lime juice and a graham cracker crust. Because it is often served with layers of whipped cream on top, contestants had the option to wear goggles.

Elliot Zeller, who is on his honeymoon in Key West, won the competition by eating an entire pie in 62.62 seconds.

"I think I've been training for this my whole life," Zeller said. "My wife can vouch I don't eat with my hands very much, and I'm a very sloppy eater -- this was written for me."

Zeller cheered and showed of his winning belt -- which features a pie pan buckle.

Other speed eating contests taking place in the U.S. include the annual hot dog eating contest in New York and various watermelon eating contests.