'Part of Hanover culture': Hanover Borough set to host first-ever hot dog eating contest

Could you be Hanover's first hot dog eating champion?

It's possible: On Sept. 14, the "snack food capital of the USA" is hosting its first-ever hot dog eating contest at the Hanover Market House.

The contest will be held as part of the market's annual Second Saturday in September events, which will also feature a Fall Trunk Sale outside of the market. The contest is being led and emceed by Connor Eisenhart, owner of The Homedog LLC., a popular Hanover hot dog cart.

There will be two contests, a youth category for ages 13 to 17, and an adult contest for those 18 and over.

The youth contest will kick off at 2 p.m., followed by the adult contest at 3 p.m., according to a release by Hanover officials.

Registration forms are available on the Hanover Market house's website, at www.tinyurl.com/hanoverhotdogcontest , and completed forms must be emailed to ParksAndRecDept@HanoverBoroughPA.gov to register.

Those who register prior to 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, will receive a t-shirt with their registration, along with discounted entrance fees.

Ages 13-17 cost $10 to enter the contest in advance, and 18+ costs $20 to enter the contest. On the day of the event, those prices jump to $15 and $25, respectively. Ages 13-17 must have signed parental permission to participate, and parents must remain on site for their child to participate.

Day-of registration for both contests will begin in-person at 9 a.m. and end at noon on Saturday, Sept. 14. Entries are limited to 20 per age group.

Contestants have the option of choosing their own contest name, with suggestions such as "Mad Dog" and others listed on the form.

During the contest, contestants will have five minutes to eat as many whole hot dogs as they can, including the bun.

Condiments are limited to ketchup and mustard, however contestants must bring their own. Contestants will only be allowed to drink water during the contest, which can also be used to dunk the hot dogs and buns.

In the event of a tie, the tied contestants will take part in an "eat off" to determine the winner.

Hanover's own dogslinger

The contest was brought about thanks to the efforts of Eisenhart, Hanover's own self-described 'dogslinger.'

"This is part of Hanover culture," said Eisenhart.

When Eisenhart pitched the idea to borough officials, he was surprised by how receptive they were to the idea.

"They were like, 'why haven't we thought of this before?,' and ever since then, we've been in contact almost weekly," said Eisenhart.

More: Homedog LLC: The hottest new hot dog in Hanover

Eisenhart had hoped to run the contest as a standalone event at one of the borough's public parks, but was unable to be issued the required permits in time for the event.

Instead, this year the event will be hosted outside the market house, with a stage set up for the contestants.

Next year, however, Eisenhart is looking to obtain those permits and build on this year's event.

"It's looking like the turnout will be great," said Eisenhart, who noted they were looking into getting bleachers for spectators to the contest.

"It's gonna be a kid friendly event, and it's free to attend," said Eisenhart. "Come out and see the culture of Hanover."

Along with The Home Dog's hot dogs, food trucks and other vendors will be set up with the contest for visitors.

Eisenhart is most excited to get to crown Hanover's first-ever hot dog eating champion during the event, along with a special trophy being designed for the contest.

"The trophy is gonna be awesome," said Eisenhart, who said they plan to have a hot dog atop the trophy.

While the contestants will be working to chow down on hot dogs, Eisenhart will be slinging them.

That's no small task: Eisenhart is anticipating needing possibly several thousand hot dogs.

"I'm expecting probably over 1,000, maybe 2,000 hot dogs," said Eisenhart.

The event is sponsored by one of the biggest supporters of Eisenhart's hot dog cart, W.E. Sell Sporting Goods on York Street, which is assisting Eisenhart and the borough in making the event happen.

Harrison Jones is the Hanover reporter for the Evening Sun. Reach him at hjones@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Hanover Evening Sun: 'Part of Hanover culture': Hanover Borough set to host first-ever hot dog eating contest