Hot dog day

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Hot Dog Day is an annual celebration in the village of Alfred, New York. It all began in 1972 as the idea of two students, Mark O'Meara and Eric "Rick" Vaughn. The event is focused on that ever-popular (and inexpensive) student staple, the hot dog. This totally student-run event raises money for local charities and community-based civic organizations. Hot Dog Day has come to mark the beginning of spring in Alfred. Typically held the third weekend in April, it features a parade, ice cream social, fun run, mud Olympics, musical groups and a carnival. The Alfred Lions Club generally runs a Stearns Chicken BBQ at the Fire Hall. Bands play at the bandstand in the park across from the Box of Books Library. Alfred's Main Street is closed off for booths featuring food, games, and entertainment. Each year over 5000 hot dogs are served and about $6000 is raised.

It is the combined efforts of students from Alfred University and Alfred State College and attracts students, faculty and alumni from both schools as well as residents of Alfred and nearby villages and towns. The funds raised on Hot Dog Day are donated to local charities. Booths are manned by students from the two schools.

In previous years, Hot Dog Day was an occasion for heavy drinking, nudity, and promiscuity by students and alumni alike. Recently, the Family Weekend of Alfred University has been scheduled to coincide with Hot Dog Day, and some believe this is an attempt to reduce the amount of partying that occurs. In addition, Alfred State College has recently taken measures such as guest pre-registration and arm bands, in an attempt to minimize incidents.

After Alfred University officially expelled all Greek organizations in 2002, fraternities and soriorites alike have kept the original Alfred Hot Dog Day tradition alive every third weekend in April at various locations outside of Alfred. This new event has been playfully coined FAHDD.