We Americans are passionate about our hot dogs (mustard and relish please, hold the ketchup), and July is the month we celebrate this tasty backyard tradition. July is National Hot Dog Month - designated so back in 1957 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce - with two notable days: the hot dog eating contest at Nathan's Famous on July 4th, won for a third consecutive time by American (yes!) Joey Chestnut, who consumed an unfathomable 68 weiners (with buns) in ten minutes; and National Hot Dog Day, which takes place on the third wednesday in July, marked by the annual Hot Dog Lunch on Capitol Hill. That happened to be yesterday, July 22nd, and NOT July 19th, which hundreds of people on Twitter were ignorantly celebrating as the big day. Sometimes you have to dig a little. For whatever reason, National Hot Dog Day does not draw a lot of attention, so I went to the source to confirm the festivities: the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (thanks Tom!).
This year's Hot Dog Lunch, an invitation-only event for members of Congress and their staffs, was held at the Rayburn House Office Building, drawing some 1,000 people, including members of the House and Senate, Hill staffers, industry officials, media, and in a nod to the relationship hot dogs and the great American pastime have, baseball greats Phil Niekro, Vince Coleman and Jack Morris.
From the American Meat Institue press release:
The Annual Hot Dog Lunch, which was hosted by Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), remains one of the most popular events of the summer on Capitol Hill.
“There are few icons more recognized in U.S. culture than the hot dog,” said AMI President and CEO J. Patrick Boyle. “Year after year, this social event on Capitol Hill, which is one of the most popular of the summer, is a testament to the continuing national – and bipartisan – popularity of hot dogs.”
In coordination with Hot Dog Lunch and National Hot Dog Month, the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council unveiled a new, interactive map on its Web site, Hot-dog.org, eaturing hundreds of hot dog restaurants across the country.
“Members of Congress represent constituents throughout the country, but as you will see from the map, the hot dog is pretty well represented, too,” said Council President and Queen of Wien, Janet Riley. “Whether you are visiting a particular region and want to find the hometown dog or want to send the link of your favorite restaurant to a friend, you can find it on our new map. And if you don’t see your favorite place to get a hot dog, let us know and we’ll be sure to add it!”
