Dog days of summer

By Brandie Majeau 
Love them or hate them, hotdogs have instilled themselves as a summer favourite in
most households.  Though the origins of hotdogs have been largely debated, it is believed that
German immigrants brought not only their heritage with them to a new world but also the
original version of a sausage that evolved itself into the hotdogs we enjoy today.  Steamed,
grilled, boiled or roasted over an open fire, they have now become a staple for barbeques and
camping trips.  It is this passion, found all over the planet that has led to National Hot Dog Day. 
Celebrated in communities around the world, this unique celebration is held annually on the
third Wednesday of July.  The earliest known Hot Dog Day was held in 1972 in New York.   
National Hot Dog Day is what you make of it.  Next year, indulge in this treat at many
eateries that create their own special twist on the traditional.  Take in a baseball game and
partake in the conventional “franks” handed down the rows.  Experience a hotdog eating
contest.  Have your own hotdog barbeque celebration in your backyard.  There have also been
other activities that accompany National Hot Dog Day, such as wiener dog races and other silly
events that often donate their profits to charities.  For Newbrook Public Library, National Hot
Dog Day was enjoyed in a simple way.  Children and their parents arrived for a morning of story
time and crafts ,followed by a lunch of hotdogs, blueberry cake and iced tea.  The little faces
smeared with ketchup and mustard marked the event as a success.