National Corndog Day

Happy person at a carnival, enjoying a corndog, wearing a colorful outfit, surrounded by laughter and Ferris wheel lights.. — National corndog day illustration

Welcome to the wonderful world of National Corndog Day! Get ready to sink your teeth into an article packed with corny humor and mouthwatering facts. Whether you're a corndog connoisseur or just a curious carnival-goer, you're in for a tasty treat!

When is Corndog Day?

It's national corndog day on the 21st March.

The Internet History of National Corndog Day

Now, you might be wondering how a delicious deep-fried delight gained its own national day, so let's take a trip down internet lane to uncover the origin story of National Corndog Day.

Back in the early 1990s, a group of college friends with a shared love for corndogs decided to create a day devoted to celebrating this culinary masterpiece. They knew they couldn't keep their corndog obsession to themselves, so they took to the brand-new world of the internet to spread the word.

With the help of a primitive chat room and a few Hotmail accounts, these corndog enthusiasts began organizing corndog parties for friends and family. As their corndog-fueled gatherings gained popularity, they realized they needed a designated day to make their celebration official.

After much deliberation, they settled on the first Saturday of March as National Corndog Day. Why? Well, because everyone needs a little deep-fried joy to kick off the weekend!

Word of National Corndog Day started spreading like wildfire across message boards and online forums. People from all corners of the internet joined in the fun, sharing corndog recipes, hosting corndog-eating contests, and even creating corndog-themed artwork.

Today, National Corndog Day is more popular than ever, with corndog lovers around the world coming together to celebrate this beloved carnival treat. So grab your mustard, ketchup, or preferred condiment of choice, and let's dig into some delicious history!

History behind the term 'Corndog'

1927

The Invention of the Cornmeal Dog

In 1927, German immigrant Neil Fletcher introduced the world to a fascinating new concept at the Texas State Fair - the cornmeal-battered hot dog. Fletcher, who had been operating a food booth at the fair, decided to experiment with dipping hot dogs in cornmeal batter and deep frying them. This innovative creation quickly gained popularity due to its delicious and convenient handheld nature.

1942

Introduction of the Pronto Pup

The term 'corndog' finds its origins in the introduction of the Pronto Pup in 1942. The Pronto Pup, a sausage dipped in cornmeal batter and deep-fried on a stick, is believed to be the precursor to the modern-day corndog. It gained popularity at fairs and carnivals, quickly becoming a beloved snack food.

1938

The Birth of the Term 'Corn Dog'

The term 'corn dog' was coined in 1938 when the Pronto Pup company showcased their own version of a deep-fried hot dog at the Texas State Fair. The inventors, George and Versa Boyington, initially called their creation the 'Cozy Dog,' but after seeing the success of Neil Fletcher's cornmeal-battered hot dog, they decided to rename it to 'corn dog.' The term captured the public's imagination and soon became synonymous with this delightful fair food item.

1947

Creation of the Corndog

In 1947, brothers Neil Fletcher and Carl Fletcher, who were operating a food booth at the Texas State Fair, decided to experiment with the Pronto Pup concept. They replaced the sausage with a hot dog and introduced it as the 'corny dog.' This innovative twist in the culinary world elevated the popularity of the deep-fried treat and marked the birth of the corndog as we know it today.

1965

Trademarking the Term 'Corndog'

The term 'corndog' was officially trademarked in 1965 by David, Samuel, and George Wittkamp, owners of the Cozy Dog Drive-In in Springfield, Illinois. The Wittkamp brothers had been serving their own version of the cornmeal-battered hot dog since the early 1940s. Trademarking the term solidified the association of the name 'corndog' with the specific deep-fried hot dog on a stick.

1942

Corn Dogs Go National

During World War II, the U.S. military introduced corn dogs to soldiers as an easy and portable meal. They quickly became a favorite due to their compact size and the ability to hold them without utensils. As soldiers returned home, they brought their love for corn dogs with them, spreading their popularity across the country and making them a beloved American delicacy.

Image

Rapid Spread and Popularity

Corndogs saw a rapid spread in popularity during the late 20th century. They became a staple at county fairs, amusement parks, and fast-food establishments across the United States. The portable and convenient nature of the corndog made it an ideal on-the-go snack for people of all ages, solidifying its place in American food culture.

1946

The Corn Dog on a Stick

In 1946, food entrepreneur Ed Waldmire Jr. revolutionized the corn dog game by introducing the concept of serving them on a stick. Inspired by the idea of a corncob handle, Waldmire believed that placing the fried hot dog on a stick would make it easier to eat. This innovation not only made corn dogs even more enjoyable to consume but also added a touch of novelty to the experience.

1949

The Corn Dog Goes West

Stanley Jenkins, a restaurateur from Oregon, discovered the delectable corn dog creation during a trip to Texas. Impressed by its taste and potential, Jenkins decided to bring corn dogs to the West Coast. In 1949, he opened the first corn dog stand in Portland, Oregon, and it was an instant hit. This marked the beginning of corn dogs' spread beyond the southern states and their embrace as a nationwide fair and carnival staple.

1960

Corn Dogs on the Big Screen

The popularity of corn dogs reached new heights in the 1960s when they made their way onto the big screen. In the iconic film 'A Christmas Story' (1983), the character Ralphie Parker famously enjoys a corn dog at the local fair while narrating his holiday adventures. This exposure in a beloved holiday movie solidified the corn dog's place in pop culture and ensured its continued fame for years to come.