NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 04: Hot dogs are placed on the competition table ahead of the 2023 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on July 04, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous located on Surf Avenue. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
William Lyon from South Carolina was on the show Friday morning to talk to us about participating in next week’s Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest Is Part Of Major League Eating
You should know the particulars by now. The event takes place each year on the 4th of July at Coney Island in New York.
It’s sponsored by Nathan’s Hot Dogs and it’s part of the “MLE”, the Major League Eating tour.
MLE travels the country putting on events with folks eating not only hot dogs but also blueberries, ribs, poutine, strawberry shortcake, oysters, pizza slices, donuts and more.
William decided to enter a contest and as you’ll hear in the conversation fared well enough to qualify for the “Signature Event” next week.
He received confirmation by mail earlier this week that he was in.
He will not, this year be going up against the perennial champion Joey Chestnut, who famously, or infamously, one year downed 76 hot dogs in ten minutes. He will not be in the contest this year after signing a contract with a plant-based hot dog competitor of Nathan’s.
So, let’s hear what William had to say on the show this morning, and remember to pull up a table and get ready for Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, on one or more of the family of ESPN stations. Noon, on the 4th of July.
4th Of July In Augusta - Events To Celebrate Our Independence
It’s almost time to celebrate Independence Day! Do you have plans for the 4th of July in Augusta? If not, we’ve got a list of patriotic events below for you and family to check out from Wednesday, July 3rd through the weekend.
4th Of July History
Independence Day, 4th of July, July 4th… no matter what you call it, it’s a day we celebrate our country’s independence. This day became a federal holiday here in the United State in 1941, according to History.com. But celebrating our independence goes even further back to the 18th century.
The Revolutionary War broke out in April 1775. Colonists were trying to break free from Great Britain. Hostility grew and more and more colonists were hoping for independence.
When the Continental Congress met on June 7th, 1776, there was a motion called for independence, but a heated debate postponed a vote. That’s when a 5 man committee was appointed to draft a formal statement. That formal statement would become what we know as the Declaration of Independence.
It was July 2nd, 1776, when the Continental Congress voted in favor of our independence. And two days later, July 4th, delegates from the 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence. From that day, the 4th of July became the day to honor the birth of American independence.
Ways To Celebrate The 4th Of July
In the early days of celebrating our independence, some colonists actually help mock funerals for King George III to celebrate the end of the monarchy’s reign over them. From there, celebrations evolved to include concerts, bonfires, parades, firing of cannons and muskets, and some held public readings of the Declaration of Independence.
Celebrating the 4th of July hasn’t changed too much. We still celebrate with concerts, parades, and fireworks. Some people also host cookouts, pool parties, and family get togethers.
4th of July In Augusta – Events
If you’re not quite sure how you’ll celebrate the 4th of July in Augusta, we’ve got some local events for you happening from Wednesday, July 3rd through the weekend.
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 - Fort Eisenhower Independence Celebration
Don’t miss the Fort Eisenhower Independence Celebration at Barton Field! It’s the perfect way to celebrate our nation’s freedom. Enjoy live entertainment from Chris Cagle and Lonestar, along with a kiddie carnival, food vendors, and more. The night will wrap up with a fireworks extravaganza.
This is a FREE event that is open to the public. For more information, visit Eisenhower.ArmyMWR.com.
Thursday, July 4, 2024 - Yankee Doodle Dash 5K/10K
Kick off your 4th of July with a 5K or 10K! Put on your red, white, and blue and enjoy this celebration on the river. It’s a flat out and back course that goes along the scenic Savannah River. The event is chip-timed. The first 275 registrants will receive a finisher medal.
The course is dog, stroller, and family-friendly. The 10K starts at 7 a.m. And the 5K starts at 7:10 a.m.
Registration is available online or at bib pick up on Wednesday, July 3rd at Fleet Feet Augusta. There is no morning of packet pick up.
Address: Mill Village Trailhead – Augusta Canal – 109 Eve Street, Augusta, GA
Thursday, July 4, 2024 - Independence Day at Meadow Garden
Meadow Garden is a historic home which belonged to George Walton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. In honor of the 248th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, there will be a reading of it at 11 a.m. along with the revolutionary color guard and live music from the Garden City Strummers. There will also be a Revolutionary Soldiers’ display and children’s activities, including quill pen writing.
This is a free event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get more information HERE.
Thursday, July 4, 2024 - Augusta GreenJackets Independence Celebration & Fireworks Show
Enjoy America’s favorite pastime to celebrate the 4th of July! The Augusta GreenJackets will host their Independence Celebration & Fireworks Show. The GreenJackets will take on the Columbia Fireflies, with gates opening at 5 p.m. and first pitch at 6:35 p.m. There will be a pre-game concert with Gone Again! And there will be an Independence Day Jersey Auction to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Augusta.
The night will wrap up with a fireworks extravaganza!
It’s the third annual Independence Day Paddle hosted by Two Dudes and a Boat Kayak Rentals. You can enjoy enjoy a kayak adventure with obstacle free views of two different fireworks shows in the Augusta area.
The paddle kicks off at 7 p.m. at the 5th Street Marina Terrace. Get more details HERE.
The biggest 4th of July celebration in town! It’s Boom! In The Park at Evans Towne Center Park. Gates open at 5 p.m. There will be food and beverage vendors, live music from Whiskey Run and Ryan Trotti, plus a brand-new laser show!
The night will wrap up with fireworks. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy this FREE Independence Day celebration in Evans.
Address: 7016 Evans Town Center Boulevard, Evans, GA
The Thomson-McDuffie Chamber Of Commerce is hosting its annual Freedom Blast on Friday, July 5th. The fireworks show will be held in Downtown Thomson and is open to the public. They encourage you to bring your own chairs and enjoy a night of food, fellowship, and fireworks.
Food vendors will be on-site with food and refreshments for purchase. There will also be music throughout the night, along with inflatables for the kids. The event kicks off at 7 p.m.
Address: 210 Railroad Street, Thomson, GA
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