Dog bites
How many hot dogs can you swallow in 3 minutes? Registration is open for Independence Day competition.
The Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest returns for a second year at Yettie Polk Park in Belton. Last year’s champion, former Central Texas Stampede hockey player Jacques Mailhot, is expected to defend his title, plus there will be a few very hungry competitors. To register and view the contest regulations, visit www.beltonchamber.com. Courtesy photo
DAVID STONE | June 27, 2022
The Fourth of July will feature the usual fireworks, rodeos, parades and patriotic music, but those celebrating our nation’s birthday this year might want to check out a newer tradition — a hot dog gorging competition at Yettie Polk Park.
After all, what’s more American than repeatedly cramming hot dogs down your throat? Baseball and apple pie come to mind, but hey, hot dog eating is right up there.
Organizing the “big eat” is Jennifer Ryder, a Temple High grad who owns High 5 Hot Dogs.
“I joined the Belton Chamber of Commerce two years ago and decided I wanted to take part in the Fourth of July festivities,” Ryder said. “I had planned to hold the contest then, but everything was cancelled because of COVID.”
The inaugural Belton Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest debuted last year, and this year’s version has been expanded and will feature a couple “celebrities.”
Jacques Mailhot, last year’s winner and a former “hot dog” on the Central Texas Stampede hockey team, will return to defend his eating title. A year ago, Mailhot devoured 8 hot dogs in three minutes. That may not be enough to hold off one of this year’s challengers — Hugh Shine, former Army colonel and a member of the Texas House of Representatives.
Word has it, Shine is a beast when behind a bowl of frankfurters, so watch out Mailhot!
“I also have received a phone call from a successful competitive eater,” Ryder said. “He says he will be there as well.”
The contest will be split into two separate competitions — one for children, the other for adults. A champion of each division will be crowned, and the person who eats the most will be the overall champion.
“The big eater will leave with a kayak donated by Sam’s Club, $100 cash and several other prizes,” she said. “Plus, bragging rights.”
All contestants will receive a goody bag from local vendors, a T-shirt and an automatic entry in a raffle.
“We have some incredible sponsors for the event,” Ryder said. “My Coke vendor is supplying a vintage-looking mobile Coca-Cola Ice Box for the raffle. Plus there are many other great prizes, and it’s for a good cause. A portion of the raffle proceeds will go to BEEF — the Belton Education Enrichment Foundation in honor of Jose ‘Joe’ Ramirez, the Belton student who was stabbed and killed earlier this year.”
This year’s contest will be at “high noon” on July 4 at Yettie Polk Park.
“It will be right after the parade,” Ryder said.
Hot dogs in the contest will consist of wieners and buns — nothing else — and participants must eat the same number of both to get credit.
“It doesn’t matter how they eat it — they can eat all the buns, then all the wieners, or they can smash it up,” she said. “It doesn’t matter. They just have to keep it down at least until the three-minute buzzer sounds. Home Depot has donated buckets just in case…”
Ryder said each contestant will start with five hot dogs on a plate in front of them, and “additional hot dogs will be added as needed.”
Ryder said the contest may not be for those with weak stomachs.
“It’s going to be gross and disgusting, no doubt,” she said. “But it also will be a lot of fun.”
Normally, customers at High 5 eat at a leisurely pace. It’s the staff that’s going full tilt.
“On a normal day we sell about 40 to 50 hot dogs during a two-hour shift,” she said. “We have special hot dogs on Wednesday, and we usually sell out at 60.”
The most popular special is the dog that got Ryder hooked on the business — the Chicago dog.
“I have an extensive background in the food industry, but most of it has been in fine dining,” she grinned. “Hot dogs aren’t exactly fine dining — this has been a big jump.”
Before opening High 5 about two years ago, Ryder visited friends in Chicago and New York. She kept seeing hot dog carts and they always had a line.
“I fell in love with the hot dog carts,” she said. “And I’ve never seen an empty line. I decided that’s what I wanted to do so I bought two carts.”
Ryder said her carts are very much in demand for private events and festivals, and it’s common to have both carts in use at the same time.
“I try to give back to the community, so I hire a lot of high school kids,” she said. “It teaches them that you can be successful with something as simple as a hot dog cart.”
In addition to attending events and festivals, High 5 also provides concessions at Belton Youth Softball Association games.
Normal fare at High 5 includes hot dogs, chili dogs, nachos, brats and Frito pie. When she decided to do specials with gourmet dogs, another visit to Chicago was in order.
“If you are going to make Chicago dogs, you have to do them right,” she said. “It’s an art form. You have to have the proper ingredients in the proper order.”
A true Chicago dog consists of a poppy seed bun with — in this order — yellow mustard, sweet green relish, chopped onions, four tomato wedges, one dill pickle spear and two sport peppers. The tomatoes must go between the wiener and the top bun, and the creation must never — there have been street brawls in the Windy City over this — contain ketchup.
For additional information about the Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Contest, call Jennifer at (214) 284-9406.
Some very full-looking women battle for hot-dog glory in last year’s Fourth of July contest in Belton. Courtesy photo
What year was Bell County’s first Fourth of July celebration? ANSWER AT END OF THIS ISSUE
Monday’s best bets
Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.
Trash to Treasure Totes, Sammons Community Center. 1 p.m. Go green and create a unique tote bag from plastic bags! Becca Bash will be teaching this fun and creative way to recycle and reuse those endless plastic grocery bags that get stashed away to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind bag that could have a variety of uses. Watch that bag evolve into your own creation. Knowledge of basic crochet stitch is encouraged. A size K crochet hook is recommended. For more information, call 254.298.5403.
Tuesday, June 28
Tai Chi at Sammons Community Center. 3 p.m. This ancient Chinese exercise and martial art promote vitality, balance, strength, and longevity. Using special breathing techniques and slow, precise physical movements, Tai Chi can help curtail arthritis, respiratory disease, and high blood pressure. Regular practice of this “Moving Meditation” also provides health benefits of stress reduction, mental alertness, and increased energy. This on-going course is adaptable for all levels of mobility. Led by Christopher Dow, who has practiced this and related Chi Kung exercise forms for 42 years. For more information, call 254.298.5403.
Tuesday on the Trails. 8:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson “KP” each Tuesday as she leads you on a different trail with a different challenge! One winner per week. Walking not only promotes physical activity and prevents stiffness, but it also stimulates your brain and aids in weight management. See you on the trails! Call 254.298.5403 or stop by for a trail schedule.
Wednesday, June 29
Airport Food Truck Day at Draughon–Miller Central Texas Regional Airport. This month’s food truck is Lula Mae’s Cajun Cuisine and they will be serving up lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every month through October, a local food truck will be featured.
Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.
Open Mic Night at Fire Base Brewing featuring Maxx Carter.
Comedy Open Mic Night at Corky’s. Sign up at 7:30, show at 8.
Temple Coyotes FC soccer at Woodson Field. Fun starts at 6, game starts at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 30
Poetry & Music Open Mic Night at Corky’s with Nate Biddy. Sign up at 6:30, show at 7.
Pre Fourth of July Cornhole Tournament at FoxDog Beer Garden. 5-8 p.m.
Texas Red’s Taproom Trivia at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.
Karaoke at Bo’s Barn. 8:30 p.m.
Trivia Night at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. There will be 6 rounds of themed trivia to test your knowledge of all things trivia! Other categories will include Movies, Sports, music, and more! Play from your phone! FREE to play! Join anytime. Winners walk away with FSP swag, free pizzas and bragging rights! 6 p.m.
Friday, July 1
Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.
Fourth of July PRCA Rodeo at Bell County Expo Center.
Kenny Orts & No Chance live at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m. Tickets: bosbarndancehall.com
Wes Perryman live at 8 p.m. at Barrow Brewing Co.
Fourth of July PRCA Rodeo at the Bell County Expo Center. 7 p.m.
First Friday in Downtown Temple. 5-9 p.m. Join us downtown for First Friday, on July 1st for amazing drinks, food, and specials. The #FirstFriday Downtown Temple turns into a party! Check out our full list of happenings. bit.ly/3vAXira
Savor Latin Night at Ras Kitchen. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Join us to learn the foundation and basic Latin dance moves of salsa and bachata. Then take what you've learn for a night of social dancing.
Wes Perryman live at Barrow Brewing. 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 2
Jade Nickol live at Barrow Brewing. 7:30 p.m. Farmers Market, 9-1.
All-Star Family Day at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Experience the fun of baseball and learn about baseball history. Come enjoy sports-themed crafts and activities for the whole family.
Fourth of July PRCA Rodeo at the Bell County Expo Center. 7 p.m.
Indie pop group Amber Dreams live at Treno Pizzeria & Taproom. 6-8 p.m.. "We will play our album, some covers, and preview our new singles."
Temple Coyotes FC soccer at Woodson Field. Fun starts at 6, game starts at 7:30 p.m.
People’s Choice live at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m. Tickets: bosbarndancehall.com
Real Gun Show at the Bell County Expo Center’s Assembly Hall. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Holly Tucker live at Cyclone Corral. 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 3
SummerFest Celebration at Morgan’s Point Resort. 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Kleypas Park, 51 Morgan’s Point Blvd. Come join us and the Morgan's Point Resort Community to celebrate and honor America with a day full of fun, food & Fireworks! Live music by The Billy Holt Band. Food Trucks, Vendors, Bouncy House & inflatable obstacle course for the kiddos!
Lilly Milford live at Barrow Brewing. 4 p.m. Summer Lecture Series at 2 p.m.
Fourth of July PRCA Rodeo at the Bell County Expo Center. 7 p.m.
Real Gun Show at the Bell County Expo Center’s Assembly Hall. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Independence Day Scooter Scavenger Hunt sponsored by Corky's and Tour Temple.
Summer Lecture Series, 2 p.m. at Barrow Brewing Co. Live music TBD
Martian Folk live at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. Noon.
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On this day in 1918, Hortense Sparks Ward became the first woman in Harris County history to register to vote. Born in Matagorda County in 1872, she married Houston lawyer William Henry Ward in 1908. In 1910 she became one of the first women admitted to the Texas state bar (after Edith Locke in 1902 and Alice Tiernan in 1909). Ward worked tirelessly in support of women’s rights and penned moving newspaper essays and pamphlets for that cause. She was instrumental in the passage of the Married Woman’s Property Law of 1913 by the Texas Legislature, and she campaigned with suffragist Minnie Fisher Cunningham for enfranchisement. Texas women won an important victory in 1918 when the legislature permitted them to vote in primary elections. In a short span of less than three weeks, 386,000 women across the state registered to vote, and Hortense Ward led the way.
TRIVIA ANSWER: Belton held the county’s first recorded Independence Day celebration in 1852, according to the Belton Journal. Other sources say a first parade was held in 1850. The event didn’t become an annual tradition until 1919. MORE TO COME!