Hot dog day
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[edit] History
Hot Dog Day is an annual celebration in the village of Alfred, New York. It 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.
[edit] About
This 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
- an ice cream social run by Alpha Phi Omega
- fun run
- mud Olympics
- musical groups
- a carnival
- music from WALF and WETD
- Chicken BBQ run by the Lion's Club.
- Food, games, and student made goods on main street, which is closed off
- Hot dog eating contest
Each year over 5000 hot dogs are served and about $6000 is raised.
Students from Alfred University and Alfred State College manage most of the events, and it 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.
[edit] Controversy
In previous years, Hot Dog Day was an occasion for heavy drinking, nudity, and promiscuity by students and alumni alike. Parties will often start as early as noon, and run most of the night. Under many circumstances, binge drinking can be found starting several days prior to the officially recognized date and continuing far past the end of official festivities. Recently, Alfred University has scheduled the spring Family Weekend 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. Police are also brought in from all over Allegany County, including Angelica, Belmont, Bolivar, Andover, Wellsville and as far away as Cuba (over 30 miles) in order to keep students under control, and set up DWI checkpoints to combat drinking and driving.
The Greek Fraternities and sororities have been a key component of making Hot Dog Day successful. After Alfred University disbanded the fraternities and sororities in 2002, there has been a noticable effect with a smaller parade, less activities, and missing alumni, who keep the tradition alive and celebrate Hot Dog Day(they call it FAHDD) the third weekend of April outside of Alfred.
