Hot Dog Day

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.

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 Lions 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, which attract 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.

The Greek fraternities and sororities have been a key component of making Hot Dog Day successful. After Alfred University disbanded its fraternities and sororities in 2002, there has been a noticeable effect with a smaller parade, less activities, and missing alumni, who keep the tradition alive and celebrate Hot Dog Day the third weekend of April outside of Alfred.

A crowd at Hot Dog Day 2007. Alfred University's Howell Hall and statue of King Alfred are visible on the left.

Part of Main Street on Hot Dog Day 2007.