The Scream Contest

The rules to the annual Scream Contest seemed so simple - and so familiar to parents the world over.

"We're looking for the best scream, the worst scream, the most offensive scream - the scream you'd least like to live with," explained emcee Jane Engdahl, Friday evening at the Sonoma County Fair.

As a crowd began to gather, deafening screams filled the air, rivaling the shrieks from nearby rollercoasters. One boy sounded more pig-like than human. A girl seemed to waver between octaves. Voices cracked. And ears began to ring.

But, to be honest, none of this does them justice. To truly comprehend, you must watch the video (and get ready to adjust the volume level).