Buffalo Rising Online

Aug 26th 2008, 5:05pm By Eli George

People have a tendency to move out of the city and immediately start to miss some of the unique foods available only in Buffalo. One of those foods consistently named is Sahlen’s Hot Dogs – a true Buffalo great. The popular hot dog alongside with Dug’s Dive will be hosting the Dog Days of Summer event, where Sahlen’s hot dogs will be eaten in a picnic style hot dog eating championship contest.

One of the things making this contest unique on the competitive eating circuit is that the hot dogs will be topped with another Buffalo great – Weber’s Mustard. The rules differ from the modern competitive eating rules, stipulating that the hot dogs be eaten “picnic style” - meaning that the food item has to be eaten in its original form. This harkens to the days of some of the first competitions at local picnics and there is no modifications, smashing, dunking, or other abuses allowed. The contest is being overseen by the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters and is open to amateurs.

To set this contest even further apart from the average, it will pit two Canadian pros against any American opponent, professional or amateur, willing to take the challenge. One Canadian, “Furious” Pete Czerwinski, is considered to be North America’s #1 ranked picnic style food warrior. He is undefeated in competition and holds world records in hamburgers, beef patties, steak, bananas, and pulled pork sandwiches.

He will face some stiff competition from Pierre “The Food Machete” Vincellette. Vincellette is from Niagara Falls, Canada and is the Canadian Cheeseburger Champion. These two Canadian champs will vie for the prize money of $500 for first place and $250 for the runner-up and if they aren’t careful, an American competitor will step up to the plate and eat them out of house and home.

The event doesn’t just feature an eating competition; there will be fun for the whole family. The Dog Days’ Kid Zone will have a bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, a slide and ball pit, face painting, and a balloon animal artist. Even more exciting for the adults who come out to this end of the summer celebration, Strictly Hip, Buffalo’s favorite cover band, will provide an afternoon full of great Tragically Hip tunes.

The hot dog eating contest will be emceed by Arnie “Chowhound” Chapman, founder of the AICE and accomplished food warrior. There will be plenty of Sahlen’s hot dogs available for everyone as the contest ensues,