Hot dog eating contest will award $1K cash prize

It’s time for competitive eaters in the Coachella Valley to channel their inner-Joey Chestnut. The Fourth of July has become a staple for the famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest held annually in Coney Island N.Y., and now the Coachella Valley is getting in on the action as well.

The Augustine Casino in Coachella is hosting its first ever half-pound hot dog eating contest on July 3.

Event organizers said contestants will be drawn at 5 p.m. and the competition will begin at 6 p.m.

But unlike Chestnut, the winner of this contest won’t have to down 69 hot dogs and buns to take home top honors.

Organizers said contestants will go head-to-head to see who can eat three half-pound Menyikish signature angus beef hot dogs. The competition is a timed event. The person who can finish the three monster dogs the fastest will be crowned the winner.

Casino officials said prospective competitive eaters had to enter by July 2 for a chance to win a seat at the table.

“Hot dog lovers- make room in your schedules and your stomachs,” said General Manager Jef Bauer. “This is your chance to show the valley who can scarf down three dogs and walk away with $1,000.”

The competition will be held near the Menyikish Grill, according to officials.