Washington – As American consumers fire up their grills and light their fireworks in commemoration of Independence Day, one food plays a key role in most holiday cookouts: the hot dog. Coinciding with National Hot Dog Month, officials with the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) are seeking five wiener lovers during the month of July who are worthy of serving as its regional hot dog ambassadors.  

To be considered as one of the five ambassadors, candidates must submit their hot dog resume to: contest@hot-dog.org by July 11; the five regional hot dog ambassadors for the West, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast and Southeast regions of the US will be elected on National Hot Dog Day, July 18. According to the NHDSC, the five provincial ambassadors will help organize hot dog celebrations across the US.

“Competition for these five coveted positions will be fierce, so the NHDSC judges are seeking those with a strong background in preparing, eating, enjoying, debating and celebrating hot dogs,” said NHDSC President Eric Mittenthal.  

In addition to the status linked to the title of Hot Dog Ambassador, winners will obtain rewards such as a NHDSC Wiener Warrior t-shirt, a gift card for the winner’s favorite hot dogs and a Hot Dog Ambassador business card that entitles them to discounts at NHDSC partner restaurants. More information about the contest is available at: www.hot-dog.org.

Americans will eat 150 million hot dogs this Fourth of July alone. Based on these numbers, it’s clear that Americans possess an intense passion for hot dogs. This craving proved to be so great that in 1994, the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) founded the NHDSC which, according to the NAMI website, “Serves as an information resource to consumers and media on questions related to quality, safety, nutrition, and preparation of hot dogs and sausages.”