July Fourth means one factor in New York’s Coney Island: dozens of women and men gobbling as many sizzling canines as potential in entrance of a roaring, banner-waving crowd.
It’s a beloved American pastime. Since 1972, Nathan’s Sizzling Canine Consuming Contest has gathered frank lovers internationally to gorge themselves in pursuit of money prizes and a bejeweled mustard-yellow (for males) or pink (for ladies) belt.
This 12 months, underneath the sweltering solar, grasp of ceremonies George Shea barraged the gang with leisure main as much as the competitors. He spoke to the gang in Latin. Sung a rendition of “True Colours” by Cyndi Lauper. Twerked to “Hearth Burning” by Sean Kingston. And launched the lads’s occasion by hovering into the sky on a raise as a church choir carried out beneath him, the Nathan’s brand emblazoned in purple, white, and blue behind all of them. He moved with such ardour that his arms barely trembled. This may usually sign nerves, however in George Shea’s case, he might have been combating the urge to begin respiration hearth.
The boys’s reigning champion, Joey Chestnut, was not allowed to scarf down canines underneath Nathan’s identify this 12 months as a consequence of a competing contract he had with Not possible Meals. His absence was missed: In a nod to the report holder (76 sizzling canines), Shea declared on stage: “I might take a bullet for Joey Chestnut.” In the long run, Chicago native Patrick Bertoletti swiped the profitable title with 58 sizzling canines.
Within the girls’s occasion, defending champion Miki Sudo introduced dwelling the trophy for the tenth 12 months in a row whereas setting a world report, wolfing down 51 sizzling canines together with her double-dog approach (two at a time). Mayoi Ebihara of Japan held up her second place trophy, barefoot and thru bittersweet tears, as she thanked the gang for his or her assist.
Now in its 52nd 12 months, this fest has morphed into some of the anticipated American occasions to exist, combining model stunts, Independence Day, capitalism, and candy, candy, ketchup-and-mustard-drenched glory. It’s not only a competitors at this level—it’s a complete spectacle.
Images by Ashley Markle.
