WASHINGTON, June 27, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Hot Dog Month is almost upon us and as Americans launch fireworks to commemorate our country's independence, they'll also be firing up the grill to enjoy one of America's favorite treats: the hot dog. Americans are expected to eat 150 million hot dogs over the July 4th holiday alone, part of the 7 billion hot dogs eaten over the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. As part of July's Hot Dog Month festivities the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council is asking fans to "sing for their supper" with a new Hot Dog Idol contest and is releasing a new Hot Dog Facts, Figures & Folklore brochure.
"Hot dogs are an essential part of American culture, and what better month to honor them than July?" said NHDSC President and 'Queen of Wien' Janet Riley. "We are right in the middle of grilling season and baseball season—both times when American families love to enjoy their favorite picnic treat."
Hot Dog Idol
For hot dog fans looking to do more than just relish their favorite treat this month, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council is kicking off a Hot Dog Idol competition. Fans across America have a chance to win a $250 gift card to use to create their perfect summer picnic; all it takes is a catchy tune. Fans can submit a video or audio post singing a song about hot dogs—the more creative the better. Songs can be an original tune or changed lyrics to a popular song, but the goal is the same: sing to profess a love of hot dogs. Entries must be submitted to contest@hot-dog.org by noon on July 11, 2013.
Finalists will be posted on the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council Facebook page on July 12 for fans to choose their favorite. The songs with the most votes will be announced on National Hot Dog Day, July 17th, 2013 with the grand prize winner receiving a $250 gift certificate to the grocery store of their choosing to build the perfect summer picnic. First runner-up will receive a $100 gift certificate to the grocery store of their choosing, and second runner-up will receive a $50 gift card to the grocery store of their choosing. All three top vote-getters will receive complimentary National Hot Dog and Sausage Council T-shirts featuring the slogan Hot Dogs: Relish the Moment, chosen by hot dog fans during last year's Hot Dog Month. Full contest guidelines and rules are available at www.hot-dog.org.
"We've seen so much creativity from our fans in the past, including the great entries from last summer's slogan contest," said Riley. "We can't wait to see what entertaining entries hot dog lovers will come up with next."
Hot Dog Facts, Figures and Folklore
Hot Dog Month also marks the launch of a new Hot Dog Facts, Figures & Folklore brochure, available for download at hot-dog.org. The brochure includes answers to common questions such as how hot dogs are made and where the term "hot dog" originated as well as fun facts such as the television star who credits her longevity to eating a hot dog ever day for lunch. The brochure is also full of pop culture trivia and features a fun whimsical design.
The brochure and other hot dog resources including videos, recipes, and a hot dog etiquette guide are available online at www.hot-dog.org. NHDSC updates and contests are also posted on the Council's official Facebook page.
Established in 1994, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council conducts scientific research to benefit hot dog and sausage manufacturers. The Council also serves as an information resource to consumers and media on issues related to quality, safety, nutrition and preparation of hot dogs.