Last 4th of July in New York City, professional eater Joey Chestnut broke a record, putting away 74 hot dogs in just 10 minutes.
This year — much closer to home — you too can participate in this time-honored holiday tradition, all while helping real dogs in the process.
The 2nd annual 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest is hosted by The Hungry Pug food truck and Billsburg Brewery, with all proceeds benefiting the Heritage Humane Society, a local, independent animal shelter.
“We enjoy doing this, we want to make it an annual event,” said Scott Coelln, co-owner of The Hungry Pug along with his son, Sam Coelln. “And it’s just really nice to be able to give back to the pups.”
The contest’s premise is simple: A maximum of 10 contestants will race to eat 10 hot dogs, buns and all. The first person to finish their plate wins.
“We’re asking for each participant to be sponsored by their friends or family, and whoever gets the most amount of money in sponsorships also gets a prize,” Coelln said.
The fun doesn’t end at the contestant’s table — there will also be raffles, food and drink, and a number of adoptable dogs present at the event.
Last year more than 100 people turned out, Coelln said, and this year he’s hoping to raise even more money for the shelter.
“And obviously, with us being pet owners, it fits in perfectly with what we’re doing,” he said.
The festivities kick off at 2 p.m. on July 4 at Billsburg Brewery.
“[Billsburg] has always been so giving with their giving back to the community with other charities,” Coelln said. “So it’s great to work with them again.”
Interested in being a contestant? Email Jennifer Lafountain at jennifer@heritagehumanesociety.org.