Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: September 10th, 2022. Today we are celebrating National Hot Dog Day. Did you know Hot Dogs is David’s food. If David had the opportunity he would eat Hot Dogs 24/7 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. How do you feel about Hot Dogs and why?
National Hot Dog Day
When we think of Summer, Hot Dogs come to mind almost immediately. It’s just part of the overall experience. A Summer day at the Amusement Park or at a Baseball Stadium pairs nicely with a Hot Dog or Tofu Dog, for those of you who prefer a Meatless version. Did you know Hot Dogs don’t have to be made with Meat, and anyone can enjoy the age old American favorite food any time of year. Hot Dogs can be purchased and enjoyed at any time of the year, however on July 19th is is absolutely the day we hold Hot Dogs in the highest regard.
History of National Hot Dog Day
Here is trivia about Hot Dogs, including knowing that the term itself was derived in the 19th Century, at a time when German immigrants brought their own culinary traditions with them to the new world. It’s believed they brought to New York America’s first Hot Dogs. Which were originally referred to as a Dachshund Sausage for their long shape that resembled Dachshund Pups. Around 1870, Charles Feltman, a German immigrant, began to sell Hot Dogs out of a stand on Coney Island. Charles Feltman sold over 3,600 Frankfurters in a Bun that year alone.
While we cannot be completely sure how or even when National Hot Dog Day was created, we do know that the holiday was created as a nod to National Hot Dog Month in July by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council to highlight this fan favorite. Hot Dogs became a household name in the late 19th Century when casual food lover and baseball team owner of the St. Louis Browns better known to some as the Baltimore Orioles Chris Von de Ahe brought the two together at his own Amusement Park.
Celebrating this holiday is fairly straightforward just make your Hot Dog your way, and enjoy your Hot Dog however you’d like!
Some take Hot Dogs beyond food form. There are also Weiner Dog races and inclusive festivals to consider. We very strongly encourage you to indulge away!
National Hot Dog Day Traditions
Frank-furter-ly speaking, every day is Hot Dog Day. Filling and delicious, Hot Dogs are enjoyed any time of the day. Common traditions on National Hot Dog Day include firing up the grill to cook Hot Dogs outdoors with friends and family and topping your Hot Dogs with your choice of condiments.
Hot dog eating contests are another popular way to celebrate the day. Special deals on hot dogs are also offered by many eateries and retail stores, and you’ll find longer-than-usual queues near hot dog vendors.
National Hot Dog Day Activities
- There are plenty of ways to enjoy a Hot Dog. The only rule of the day is to make your favorite Hot Dog your way, as many times as you like. That means, you can have Beef, Turkey, or Tofu, with Mustard, Relish, Ketchup. Grill the Hot Dog, boil the Hot Dog, or put the Hot Dog in the microwave.
- Did you know you can celebrate National Hot Dog Day with a party? Throw a festival or a small-level soiree with your favorite Hot Dog. You already know that we like a good party, so throwing one in honor of our Hot Dogs is an idea we absolutely endorse.
- Hot Dogs have long been paired with baseball games. If you find yourself in a baseball stadium that day, we’d strongly encourage you to enjoy one with the game.
5 Facts About Hot Dog Day
- In 2014 alone, 7-Eleven sold well over 60 million Hot Dogs in their store and in 2017, 7-Eleven sold over 100 million Hot Dogs.
- Of all the toppings you can add to a Hot Dog, Mustard comes in first as the most popular condiment, followed by Ketchup then Chili.
- Over 26 million Hot Dogs are sold annually at baseball stadiums in the United States, one of America’s favorite past times.
- From New York City, to Chicago, to Philadelphia, you can find a Hot Dog on most street corners.
- On this Summer holiday, over 155 million Hot Dogs are reportedly consumed.
Why PEOPLE Love National Hot Dog Day
- While the origins of the Hot Dog can be traced back to either Frankfurt or Vienna which we will let them slug it out for the title of true originator, the American Hot dog Dates back to the 1860’s. When German immigrants started selling Hot Dogs from stands in New York City. Ketchup here, little bit of Mustard there, and you’ve got the birth of the American Hot Dog.
- In the mood for an all-Beef Chicago Dog loaded with toppings on a Poppy Seed Roll? Or are you more of a Texas Chili Dog kind of person? Perhaps the basic, original New York Dog is all you’re looking for. Regardless, wherever you are in the Country, you can try a unique variation on this once-German/Austrian tradition.
- If you need a quick and easy meal this Summer, look no further. Boil them, grill them, heck, eat Hot Dogs as cold as long as they’re precooked. It’s the simplicity and affordability that makes Hot Dogs such a great Summer snack.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
