National Hotdog Hot Dog Day

Happy people at a summer picnic enjoying hot dogs with different toppings, surrounded by colorful balloons and a festive atmosphere.. — National hotdog hot dog day illustration

Hey there, hot dog lovers! Get ready to relish in the glory of National Hot Dog Day, a day dedicated to celebrating this all-American culinary delight. Whether you like your hot dog topped with ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, or all of the above, this is the day to indulge in this timeless classic. So, grab your buns and let's dig into the delicious details of National Hot Dog Day!

When is Hotdog Hot Dog Day?

It's national hotdog hot dog day on the 25th July.

The Birth of National Hot Dog Day

If there's one thing Americans can't resist, it's sinking our teeth into a juicy, mouthwatering hot dog. But do you ever wonder how this iconic treat came to be celebrated on its very own day? Well, wonder no more! National Hot Dog Day has actually been a long-standing tradition in the U.S., dating back to the 1970s. It was created by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, an organization dedicated to promoting and celebrating the glorious hot dog.

The Great Hot Dog Debate

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the great hot dog debate. Is it a sandwich? Is it a snack? Well, it turns out there's no definitive answer. Some argue that a sandwich must consist of two separate pieces of bread, while others believe a hot dog fits the bill. We'll leave it up to you to decide.

A Doggone Delicious Celebration

On National Hot Dog Day, people across the country gather to enjoy their favorite variations of this beloved treat. From chili dogs to Chicago-style hot dogs loaded with toppings, there's no limit to the deliciousness. Many restaurants and food vendors even offer special deals and promotions, making it the perfect time to satisfy your hot dog cravings without breaking the bank.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the most hot dogs consumed in one sitting is a staggering 74? That feat was achieved by competitive eater Joey Chestnut during the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest in 2018. Now, that's a whole lot of hot dogs!

History behind the term 'Hotdog Hot Dog'

1800s

The Origins of the Frankfurter

During the 1800s in Frankfurt, Germany, a distinctive sausage known as the frankfurter was created. These sausages were made using a combination of pork, beef, and various spices, resulting in a flavorful and popular street food.

1871

Arrival in America

In 1871, German immigrants brought their love for frankfurters to America, specifically to New York City. It was here that the term 'hot dog' first originated, although there are various theories surrounding its actual origin.

1893

The Hot Dog Gets Its Name

One popular theory suggests that the term 'hot dog' was coined in 1893 during the World's Columbian Exposition held in Chicago. A newspaper cartoonist, T.A. Dorgan, observed vendors selling sausages in buns at the event and drew a cartoon depicting the sausages as dachshunds, calling them 'hot dogs.' The term quickly caught on and became synonymous with this delicious treat.

1904

Hot Dogs at the St. Louis World's Fair

The popularity of hot dogs skyrocketed during the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. The fair attracted millions of visitors, and the easy-to-eat and portable nature of hot dogs made them a favorite among fairgoers. This event further solidified the hot dog's place in American culinary culture.

1906

The First Hot Dog Stand Opens

In 1906, the first hot dog stand, Nathan's Famous, opened on Coney Island in New York City. It became an instant success, serving delicious hot dogs to eager customers. The stand's founder, Nathan Handwerker, sold his hot dogs for just five cents, attracting a wide range of customers and helping to popularize this quintessential American food.

1921

The Invention of the Hot Dog Bun

Up until 1921, hot dogs were typically served on a plate or wrapped in wax paper. However, in that year, a bun manufacturer named Charles Feltman began using rolls to hold hot dogs, creating the classic hot dog bun we know today. This innovation made eating hot dogs even more convenient and further contributed to its popularity.