Could you become Hanover’s first hot dog eating contest champion?
It’s possible: On September 14, the “snack food capital of the USA” will host its first hot dog eating contest at the Hanover Market House.
The contest is held as part of the market’s annual events on the second Saturday in September, which also includes a fall trunk sale outside the market. The contest is directed and hosted by Connor Eisenhart, owner of The Homedog LLC., a popular hot dog stand in Hanover.
There will be two competitions, a youth category for 13 to 17 year olds and an adult competition for those aged 18 and over.
The youth competition will begin at 2 p.m., followed by the adult competition at 3 p.m., according to a statement from Hanover officials.
Registration forms are available on the Hanover Market House website at www.tinyurl.com/hanoverhotdogcontest and completed forms must be emailed to [email protected] to register.
Anyone who registers by Friday, August 30, 2024, 4 p.m. will receive a T-shirt and reduced admission upon registration.
For children ages 13-17, the cost to enter the competition in advance is $10, and for children ages 18 and older, it is $20. On the day of the event, these prices increase to $15 and $25, respectively. Children ages 13-17 must have signed parental permission to participate, and parents must remain on site for their child to participate.
Registration on the day for both competitions begins in person at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14. Numbers are limited to 20 participants per age group.
Participants have the opportunity to choose their own contest name. Suggestions such as “Mad Dog” and others are listed on the form.
During the competition, contestants have five minutes to eat as many whole hot dogs as possible, including buns.
Ketchup and mustard are permitted as condiments, but participants must bring their own. During the competition, participants are only allowed to drink water, which can also be used to dip the hot dogs and buns.
In the event of a tie, tied participants will participate in an “Eat-Off” to determine the winner.
Hanover’s own dog handler
The competition came about thanks to the efforts of Eisenhart, who describes himself as a “dog handler” from Hanover.
“This is part of Hanover’s culture,” said Eisenhart.
When Eisenhart presented the idea to district officials, he was surprised by their receptiveness to the idea.
“They said, ‘Why didn’t we think of this sooner?’ and since then we’ve been in contact almost weekly,” Eisenhart said.
More: Homedog LLC: The hottest new hot dog in Hanover
Eisenhart had hoped to hold the competition as a stand-alone event in one of the county’s public parks, but was unable to obtain the necessary permits in time for the event.
Instead, this year the event will be held outside the market hall and a stage will be set up for the participants.
Next year, however, Eisenhart would like to obtain the necessary permits and build on this year’s event.
“It looks like the turnout is going to be great,” said Eisenhart, who noted that they are working to secure bleachers for spectators at the competition.
“It will be a child-friendly event and admission is free,” said Eisenhart. “Come along and experience Hanover’s culture.”
In addition to The Home Dog’s hot dogs, there will also be food trucks and other stalls with competitions for visitors.
Eisenhart is especially looking forward to crowning Hanover’s first hot dog eater at the event and winning a special trophy that will be designed especially for the competition.
“The trophy will be fantastic,” said Eisenhart, who announced that the trophy will feature a hot dog.
While the participants are busy munching on hot dogs, Eisenhart will hand them out.
This is no easy task: Eisenhart expects that he may need several thousand hot dogs.
“I’m probably expecting over 1,000, maybe 2,000 hot dogs,” Eisenhart said.
The event is sponsored by one of Eisenhart’s hot dog stand’s biggest supporters, WE Sell Sporting Goods on York Street, which helps Eisenhart and the community put on the event.
Harrison Jones is the Evening Sun’s Hanover reporter. You can reach him at [email protected].
