How to Host an Eating Contest on the 4th of July

A Time Magazine article in July 2008 on the history of competitive eating claims that the sport began in 1916, with the Nathan’s Famous company holding its first 4th of July hot dog-eating contest in Coney Island. Planning an eating contest for your celebration can be an excellent way to entertain families and friends.

The International Federation of Competitive Eating (IFOCE) and its umbrella organization, Major League Eating (MLE), administer more than 80 competitive eating contests a year across the United States, where eaters consume everything from buffalo wings to asparagus. Some $400,000 in prize money is awarded to eating contest winners annually, according to the MLE website. In addition to the professional events, thousands of “home grown” eating contests take place in small towns and neighborhoods, especially at fairs. The eating contest and its heroes, competitive eaters, have sown a rich legacy and those planning future contests must live up to the responsibility.

What does it take to host an eating contest for a holiday like the 4th of July? First and foremost: safety. MLE believes that “speed eating is only suitable for those 18 years of age or older, and only in a controlled environment with appropriate rules and with an emergency medical technician present.”

If you wish to host an eating contest on the 4th of July, you should adhere to these general guidelines:

1) Only use only one type of food per contest. The food should be consistent, i.e., all donuts must be the same brand and flavor.

2) Make regulations. Establish regulations on behavior, such as whether the use of hands is allowed, dunking the food in water is permitted and if “chipmunking,” or stuffing food into the cheeks in the final seconds of the contest, is acceptable.

3) Make space. Allocate a designated area for the contest, such as a table that can be kept free of debris. Excessive debris after an eating contest can make it difficult to determine the winner.

4) Select judges. A minimum of three judges are recommended for up to 20 participants. The judges should be impartial and have experience detecting misbehavior; teachers, coaches and umpires are ideal. The judges should arrive an hour early to become familiar with the regulations.

5) Prepare for extra contestants. If the event proves very popular, it may be necessary to subdivide the contest by sex or age. Be sure to have additional space available in the event that there are more participants than tables.

6) Advertise the event. A newsletter, article in a local publication or website should list the entry requirements, including any fees or pre-registration required.

The 4th of July is a great holiday for an eating contest, since festivities can take place outdoors and most celebrations have an all-American, nostalgic flavor that goes well with the pastime. 

For more inspiration, watch some of the many classic films that feature scenes of eating contests, such as “Stand By Me,” and “Cool Hand Luke,” or read some of the nonfiction published on the topic, like “Horsemen of the Esophagus,” by Jason Fagone.