Christiansen downs 12 hot dogs to claim victory

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

In a feat of gastronomical proportions, Sean Christiansen polished off 12 hot dogs in 10 minutes Saturday to claim victory in the inaugural 2019 Hot Dog Eating Contest.

“I just came here to eat, that’s all I’m here for,” said Christiansen, who was awarded $100 for his efforts.

Mason Meyer gave Christiansen a run for his money, but faded late. He finished off 10 hot dogs and was awarded $50 for second place. Third place, at nine dogs each, went to the tie of Lee Rethamel and Jordan Apel.

Other contestants were Dan Farmer and Tyler Hicks. Each was awarded a gift certificate to Dave’s Restaurant, which sponsored the event.

The rules of the contest were simple — contestants had to eat the entire hot dog and the bun. Anyone unable to keep the hot dogs down was automatically disqualified.

Hicks claimed he was “hoping to win some money so I can afford to get a gym membership.”

Apel said he was competing to set an example as a role model for his kids, “so they learn to eat all their food.”

The first-ever event in Central Park in Charles City capped off the town’s Independence Day weekend celebration. The hot-dog eating contest was followed by a music performance by the band Spacemen, followed by a performance by the Danny Grause Band.