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HOT DIGGITY DOG! JULY 17th IS NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY!

By Becky Samford, Publisher Duluth, Norcross, Suwanee, Johns Creek & Peachtree Corners Macaroni Kid July 15, 2024

No matter if you call it a frankfurter, a footlong, a wiener or a hot dog, with over 25 million hot dogs sold at baseball stadiums each year, we can agree they all taste great! Did you know that 7-Eleven sells the most grilled hot dogs in North America – 100 million annually!

The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council established National Hot Dog Day in 1991 to coincide with the annual hot dog lunch on Capitol Hill. The observance occurs every year on the 3rd Wednesday in July. 

While all-American dogs are typically topped with ketchup, mustard and relish or onions, my son invented his own creation and dubbed it the Atomic Artery Blocker Dog. It is a split jumbo hot dog filled with cheddar cheese, wrapped in bacon then deep fried and boy-oh-boy is it delicious!!

Many cities or locations have their own particular toppings. Have you tried any of these:

  • Coney Island Dog with chili, shredded cheese and onions
  • New York Dog with sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard
  • Carolina Slaw Dog with mustard and cold slaw
  • Arizona Fire Dog with hot sauce and jalapeno peppers
  • Mexican Taco Dog with chili, shredded cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, guacamole and jalapenos
  • Hawaiian Dog with grilled bacon, grilled onion, grilled pineapple, and BBQ sauce
  • Boston Dog with baked beans and chopped onion
  • California Dog with mayo, avocado and sprouts
  • Italian Dog with mustard, grilled onions and grilled green peppers
  • Corn Dog dipped in batter and deep fried topped with spicy mustard
  • Atlanta Varsity Dog with chili, cheese and slaw

On May 31, 2012, a world record was set for the most expensive hot dog. The “California Capitol City Dawg” sold for $145.49 at Capitol Dawg in Sacramento, California and features:

  • A grilled 18″ all-beef, in natural casing frank from Chicago
  • Served on a fresh-baked herb and oil focaccia roll spread with white truffle butter, then grilled
  • Topped with whole grain mustard from France, garlic and herb mayonnaise
  • Sautéed chopped shallots, organic mixed baby greens, maple syrup
  • Marinated/fruitwood smoked uncured bacon from New Hampshire
  • Chopped tomatoes, sweetened dried cranberries, chopped tomato
  • Expensive moose cheese from Sweden
  • Basil olive oil/pear-cranberry-coconut balsamic vinaigrette and ground peppercorn
  • Proceeds from the sale of each 3 lb. super dog donated to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHotDogDay

There are so many ways to celebrate the day!

  • Invite your friends and family to a hot dog party!
  • Make a "topping buffet" and encourage your kids to try some new ones!
  • Take a poll to find out which toppings are the best or the most unusual
  • Take a poll to find out which is most preferred – blackened hot dogs or just cooked through?
  • Explore the best hot dog eateries near you and give them a shout-out. 

While you’re celebrating, visit our FACEBOOK PAGE, find the post about this article and tell us your favorite toppings or post a photo of your favorite hot dogs using #NationalHotDogDay to encourage others to join in!

Click for more FUN DAYS IN JULY TO CELEBRATE WITH YOUR FAMILY!



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