Herb Himes mixes Pallet Jacks -- a curious combination of Scotch and tequila -- at the 1996 party in Austin.

Herb Himes, creator of that mystical taste sensation the Pallet Jack, won the 1996 Best Ornament competition, and he entered 1997 determed to win again.

The Pallet Jack Ornament -- shot glasses, Red Skull/Bob Dole and a few drops of dementia.

Herb's 1996 entry was the bizarre brainchild of his obsession with the striking similarities between presidential candidate Bob Dole and comic book hero Red Skull. Mix in Herb's love of his demented creation -- the Pallet Jack -- and you have an ornament for the ages.

Herb, the reigning champ, had no intention of giving up his title. In fact, he moved to Tennessee in his bid to defend it, and spent hours in a forlorn garage crafting his entry for the 1997 competition. But in the wings was a challenger, someone who had no intention of allowing Herb to grab an unprecedented two victories in a row ...