West Virginia Hot Dog Festival Explained

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.

History

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

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

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

• Hot Dog Day
• Hot dog variations

Notes and References

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