Hot Dog Day will sizzle in Alfred on Saturday: What to know
Hot Dog Day, one of the most popular annual events in Allegany County and a springtime tradition for more than a half century, returns to its roots Saturday in the village of Alfred.
After celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hot Dog Day in 2022, this year’s event is back on the village's Main Street, following several years of being held alternately on the Alfred University and Alfred State College campuses.
The traditional celebration was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 before being held on the Alfred University campus last year.
While hot dogs are in always in the spotlight, there are plenty of other activities on tap. Here's a look at what to plan for on Saturday.
Local entertainment: Inside the plan for new Hornell axe-throwing venue targeted to open this summer
Crime: For 7 years, a child was allegedly sexually exploited in NY. 18 people are facing charges.
Alfred Hot Dog Day schedule
The Hot Dog Day 5k Walk/Run hosted by the AU Wellness Center gets the day started.
Registration is at 8:30 a.m. at the Village Bandstand and the race begins at 9:30 a.m. The registration fee is $5 for current AU students and A-State students and $15 for community members.
This event is being held in memory of Pam Schu, the former AU health and wellness educator who died after a battle with cancer. A donation will be made to the Finger Lakes Trails in Schu's memory.
Weiner dog races will be held on the Jordan Hall lawn on the Alfred University campus at 11 a.m., followed by the Hot Dog Day parade down Main Street beginning at noon. Parade line up is at 11 a.m. on Park Street.
The Main Street fair will get started immediately following the parade. Featuring vendors, inflatables and games, the street fair continues until 5 p.m.
Carnival games and rides will be offered on Parking Lot 3 on the Alfred State College campus from 1-5 p.m. Live music at the Village of Alfred Bandstand will be performed from 1-5 p.m.
A “paint and powder party” (for Alfred University and Alfred State College students) will be held from 7-10 p.m. in the Jordan Hall parking lot.
High school sports: Hornell baseball rallies by Bolivar-Richburg at Maple City Park: Photos
Three varieties of hot dogs available
Hot dogs have been the star attraction since the event’s inception by Alfred University students Mark O’Meara and Eric Vaughn in 1972.
Reminiscing last year, O'Meara couldn't recall why organizers settled on hot dogs as the major food option, but he pointed out their affordability and simple preparation, adding, "Everybody loves hot dogs."
Hot dog stands will be set up at several locations on Main Street. Organizers said offerings will include regular, all beef (kosher) and veggie hot dogs.
Money raised at Hot Dog Day supports community groups
O'Meara and Vaughn created Hot Dog Day as a community service project to raise money for Alfred-area non-profits.
While the total raised over five decades is not available, Hot Dog Day has contributed thousands of dollars to local causes since the first event in 1972, organizers said.
Groups selected to benefit from the 2023 Hot Dog Day proceeds include A.E. Crandall Hook & Ladder Company, Alfred Montessori School, Alfred Station Fire Company, Allegany County Mental Health Association, Box of Books Library, the ARC Allegany-Steuben and the Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women.
Neal Simon on Twitter @HornellTribNeal. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Hot Dog Day to sizzle in village of Alfred NY: Here's the lineup
