Hot Dog Days are informal events that are celebrated in communities throughout the hotdog-eating world, including the United States, Canada and Australia. Their origin is obscure. As the name suggests, the festivals revolve around eating hot dogs, but usually there are many other activities such as wiener dog races, root beer chugging contests, and face painting. Often the proceeds from a hot dog day are given to charity. Industry groups, such as National Hot Dog and Sausage Council in the USA, encourage, sponsor, and support the events. The Council designates July as National Hot Dog Month; National Hot Dog Day varies year to year. It annually falls on the 3rd Wednesday of July, which in 2023 is July 19. The council also gives advice on hot-dog eating etiquette, which aren't considered strict, as most Hot Dog Day style events do not adhere to them. Notable Hot Dog Festivals Alfred Village Hot Dog Day Hot Dog Day is celebrated every spring in the village of Alfred, New York. It has been celebrated since 1972, when it was first created and organized by Alfred University students Mark O'Meara and Eric "Rick" Vaughn. The event is focused on the hot dog, a food popular among college students for its cheapness and ease of preparation. In the early years, festival-goers could buy a hot dog and a drink for a quarter. Hot Dog Day itself is usually the third Saturday in April, although many students celebrate the entire "hot dog week", running from that Wednesday to that Sunday. Hot Dog Day, which is organized primarily by students from Alfred University and Alfred State College, raises money for local charities and community organizations such as Alfred Fire Department (A.E. Crandall Hook & Ladder Co.) and Alfred Montessori School. Events have typically included a parade, ice cream social, "fun run", mud Olympics, hot dog eating contest, carnival, dachshund race, live music, a chicken barbecue and numerous hot dog stands. Since 1998, the engineering department has run a "Pin Hill Derby" race down Pine Hill on the north end of the Alfred University campus. Main Street is closed to traffic during the parade and originally hosted most of these activities. Since 2015, the carnival and arts & crafts fair have been held on the campuses, alternating between them each year. Hot Dog Day is often the time chosen for alumni reunions for Alfred's two colleges. It was