I've written about competitive eating in the past, and I've even considered entering St. Pete's home-grown version of the classic Nathan's Coney Island hot dog eating contest (especially since the competition seems a little light). Now's your chance to get in on the grotesque display of gurgitation, while supporting a good cause.
Dairy Inn's (1201 9th Street N. St. Petersburg, 727-822-6971) contest begins at 11:30 a.m. this Saturday, July 4. Winners in each of the categories — Men, Women, and Children — will recieve $100 and have their names inscribed on Dairy Inn's "Relish-Green Belt". Entry is free, but it's a benefit for St. Pete's Pet Pals Shelter, so plan on forking over some charity dough before the meat sweats make it hard to reach into your wallet. And if it's your first time, don't expect to rock the dogs like Kobayashi or Joey Chestnut. No matter how impressive your gluttony is to your friends, this is a serious sport that requires intense training and a serious disregard for your well-being.
