Contestants sought for Hot Dog, Watermelon eating contests (the following information provided by 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 July 3 and 4, the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce has organized a Hot Dog Eating Contest at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, July 3rd, as well as a Watermelon Eating Contest at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 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 successfully defended his title as Hot Dog Eating Champion last year, polishing off 11 hot dogs and buns.
Then on Tuesday, Hy-Vee will sponsor a free Watermelon Eating Contest open to ages 16 and up at 2 p.m. That contest will be limited to the first 15 people in three different age rounds who sign up, either in advance at the Hy-Vee Service Counter, or on site the day of the event. Round 1 will be for ages 10 and Under, Round 2 for ages 11-16, and Round 3 for ages 17 and Up. Participants will have 5 minutes to eat as many seedless watermelon wedges as they can, with the winner to receive a $500 Hy-Vee Gift Card and the runner-up to receive a $25 Gift Card.
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 info@charlescitychamber.com. There are no guarantees contestant spots will still be open the day of the event, so register now!
