National Hot Dog Day
July 16, Wednesday
History and Origin
National Hot Dog Day was established by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) in 1991. The NHDSC created the holiday to celebrate the cultural significance of hot dogs in American cuisine and to promote the hot dog industry. The date varies each year but is usually observed on the third Wednesday in July.
How It's Celebrated
Across the country, National Hot Dog Day is celebrated with:
- Free or discounted hot dogs at restaurants and convenience stores
- Hot dog eating contests
- Community cookouts and barbecues
- Social media campaigns and giveaways
- Educational events about the history of hot dogs
Fun Facts About Hot Dogs
- Americans consume about 20 billion hot dogs each year.
- The average American eats approximately 70 hot dogs annually.
- The most popular condiments for hot dogs are mustard, ketchup, onions, relish, and sauerkraut.
- The term "hot dog" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, possibly as a humorous reference to the sausage's resemblance to dachshund dogs.
Hot Dog Etiquette
According to the NHDSC, there are some "rules" for eating hot dogs:
- Don't use utensils — hot dogs are finger food.
- Ketchup is considered a no-no for adults over 18 (though this is debated).
- Always place condiments in a specific order: wet condiments like mustard and ketchup first, followed by chunky condiments like relish and onions, then cheese, and finally spices.