Hot Dog, Watermelon Lovers Invited to “Eat Up” in Charles City
Contestants sought for Hot Dog, Watermelon eating contests (below if from the Charles City Chamber of Commerce)
CHARLES CITY – So you think you are a big eater? Here’s your chance to prove it!
As part of the festivities during the annual Fourth of July Celebration this weekend, the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce has organized a Hot Dog Eating Contest at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 3rd, as well as a Watermelon Eating Contest at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 4th. Both events will take place in Central Park, and contestants for each event will be limited on a first-come basis.
The Hot Dog Eating Contest is being sponsored by Fareway and Dave’s Restaurant. It is being limited to the first six contestants to register, with a $5 entry fee. Contestants will have 10 minutes to eat as many hot dogs with buns that they can, with the winner to receive a $100 cash prize and the runner-up $50. Water will be provided for participants to use during the competition. Jon Shannon is the reigning contest champion with 14 dogs and buns consumed in 2021, after winning a tie-breaker against Sean Christiansen.
Then on Saturday, Hy-Vee will sponsor a free Watermelon Eating Contest open to all ages at 2 p.m. That contest will be split into two adult rounds and a kids round for those age 12 and under. Registration will be on a first-come basis to the first 15 people who sign up in each round between now and July 3rd at the Hy-Vee Service Counter or on site the day of if there are any openings left. Contestants need to arrive in the park by 1:30 p.m. Participants will have 5 minutes to eat as many seedless watermelon wedges as they can, with the adult winners receiving a $50 Hy-Vee Gift Card and the Kids Round winner a $25 Hy-Vee Gift Card and a Goody Bag.
Waivers will need to be signed prior to the contests. Any participants under the age of 18 will need a parent’s signature on the waiver to compete.
Contact the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce for more information or to sign up for the hot dog competition at 401 North Main St., (641) 228-4234 or [email protected]. There are no guarantees contestant spots will still be open the day of the event, so register now!
