West Virginia Hot Dog Festival

The West Virginia Hot Dog Festival is an annual hot dog festival to celebrate the unique variations of local/regional hot dogs, held in Huntington, West Virginia.

West Virginia Hot Dog Festival
"Hot Dog Crossing" sign in Pullman Square, in 2018.
DateLast Saturday of July
VenuePullman Square
LocationHuntington, West Virginia
Coordinates38°25′20″N 82°26′36″W / 38.42222°N 82.44333°W / 38.42222; -82.44333
TypeHot Dog Festival
ThemeHot Dog
CauseHoops Family Children’s Hospital
Participants12,000 (2024)[1]
WebsiteOfficial website

History

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The first West Virginia Hot Dog Festival was held on July 30, 2005. This first event, founded by John Mandt Jr owner of Stewarts Original Hot Dogs, brought in $8,000 for the Hoops Family Children's Hospital.[2] As of 2024, the festival has raised over $250,000 for its cause.[3]

The West Virginia Hot Dog

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The West Virginia Hot Dog consists of chili sauce, made from ground beef, tomatoes and peppers, chopped onion, coleslaw and yellow mustard.[4][5][6]

Events

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The West Virginia Hot Dog Festival hosts an array of events including:[7][8]

  • Car shows
  • Dog costume contest
  • Hot Dog sauce/chili contest
  • Hot Dog eating competition
  • Root Beer drinking competition
  • Weiner dog races

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Hot Dog Festival brings in around 12000 guests". Herald Dispatch. July 29, 2024. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
  2. ^ "West Virginia Hot Dog Festival - History/Pictures". West Virginia Hot Dog Festival. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
  3. ^ Schulz, Chris (July 22, 2024). "Huntington Hot Dog Festival Celebrates 20 Years". West Virginia Public Broadcasting. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
  4. ^ Lundy, Ronni (March 12, 2015)."The Art of Bun, Chili + Slaw, West Virginia Style" Archived August 15, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, The Local Palate. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  5. ^ "Earl Ray Tomblin and the WV Hot Dog Hubbub" Archived September 14, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, WVPubcast.org via Storify. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  6. ^ Krall, Hawk (October 26, 2012). "Take a Hot Dog Tour of West Virginia" Archived October 26, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Serious Eats. Retrieved July 16, 2016.
  7. ^ Fletcher, Josie (July 28, 2023). "Gas Tank Getaway - West Virginia Hot Dog Festival". WSAZ. Retrieved September 7, 2024.
  8. ^ Kirk, Sam (May 22, 2024). "West Virginia holding contest to find state's best hot dog sauce recipe". WBOY. Retrieved September 7, 2024.