Chamber hosting inaugural July 4th hot dog eating contest

Fourth of July celebrations are all about fireworks, fun and food, especially hot dogs. The Maricopa Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first ever Maricopa Hot Dog Eating Championship Cup, sponsored by Willy’s Wienies, at Pacana Park as part of the city’s annual Great American Barbeque.

Contestants, who must be 18 years old or older, will have seven minutes to eat all the hot dogs they can handle (including the bun). The buns and hot dogs may be separated, dunked or mangled, and a glass of water will be provided. Condiments for the cooked, warm hot dogs are allowed, but not usually used.

Designated scorekeepers will keep track of the number of hot dogs consumed by each contestant. At the end of the seven minutes, a winner will be declared. Any ties will be broken by an “eat off.”

Each contestant must sign a waiver as part of the contest, agreeing to abide by the rules and decisions of the contest officials. They will also agree to “assume all risks associated with eating in this type of event including, but not limited to, indigestion, that stuffed feeling, contact with other contestants and a general dislike for hot dogs after I am done.”
Any visible signs of sickness will be grounds for disqualification during the contest itself.

The entry fee for this inaugural hot dog eating championship is $25 per person. At least 15 contestants are needed. Enter today by downloading a form at www.maricopachamber.com/pages/documents-collateral-kit.php or contact Diane Morrow at the Chamber via phone at 520-568-9573 or via email at [email protected].

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