Eat Your Way Through Independence Day
June 29th, 2009 by Victoria Nguyen
Okay, let’s be honest. Americans are known for our fast-paced lifestyles; for our love of extremity and gluttony. Therefore, what could encapsulate being an American more than spending Independence Day shoveling obnoxious amounts of food down our throats?
At last count, there are more than a dozen eating competitions taking place across the United States on the July 4 weekend. The humble hot dog is by far the most popular food of choice, though there are contests for all kinds of edibles: from ice cream to pizza and mashed potatoes to burritos. Below is a sampling of the silliest eating competitions you’ll find this weekend.
Man vs. Elephant Bun Eating Contest – Brooklyn, NY
Yes, you read that correctly. In this first ever competition, three humans face off against three elephants to see which species can consume the most hot dog buns in six minutes. The human contestants are Juliet Lee of Germantown, Md., “Gravy” Brown of Chicago, and Tim “Eater X” Janus. On the elephant side, we have Bunny, Susie, and Minnie, all from the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Though the odds side with the pachyderms, the humans hope their superior intellect will aid them in winning the contest. For instance, the humans will be able to dunk the buns in water in order to minimize their volume.
The contest begins at 11 a.m. and will take place at the Ringling Brothers circus site at Surf Avenue and West 21st Street. The event will take place on July 3, on the eve of Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog contest.
Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest – Coney Island, NY
It says it right in the name. Nathan’s hot dog eating contest is probably the most well-known eating competition in the world.
Joey Chestnut takes the 2009 "Yellow Mustard Belt"
Since 1916, the world’s most accomplished competitive eaters come to Nathan’s restaurant on Coney Island to see how many hot dogs they can eat in 12 minutes. Last year, two-time champion Joey Chestnut of San Jose, CA, took the Mustard Yellow Belt away from Takeru Kobayashi of Japan. Both competitors gorged down 59 hot dogs, and in an overtime battle, Chestnut consumed another extra five hot dogs in just 50 seconds.
According to the Nathan’s Famous Website, the competition began during the first year of the restaurant’s opening. It’s taken place every July 4th since then, except in 1941 and 1971 due to protests against World War II and civil unrest during the Vietnam era.
Apple Ugly Eating Contest – Faith, NC
The Apple Baking Company wants to know how much ugly you can stand. In its second year, the Ugly Eating Contest gives competitors 10 minutes to unwrap and eat as many lumpy, frosted “Ugly” cakes that they can. Last year, the contest winner consumed 17 Uglies.
The contest is open to the first 50 participants. In the event of a tie, a timed eat-off will be held to see how long it takes competitors to eat one Ugly. The first place winner will take home a year’s supply of Uglies (24-pack/month for 12 months), $497.36, and the “most beautiful Ugly trophy you’ve ever seen.”
The Shoppe Inaugural Cupcake Eating Contest – Denver, CO
300 seconds. Unlimited cupcakes. Unlimited milk and water. How many cupcakes could you consume? The Shoppe hosts its first cupcake eating contest this year. The competition is limited to 20 two-person teams. The teams will consist of “The Eater” and “The Assistant,” who is responsible to supply milk, water, unwrapped cupcakes and moral support to their teammate. In the event of a tie, the contestant who displays the biggest cupcake-filling smile will win be declared the winner.
The first-prize winner will take home $400 in cash, a six-month membership at Qi Athletic Club, and a host of other prizes from local establishments.
By Victoria Nguyen, editorial
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