Happy National Hot Dog Day! Celebrated every third Wednesday in July since 1991, National Hot Dog Day honors one of America's favorite foods and gives us the perfect excuse to enjoy this summertime classic. Ever wonder how it started? The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council created the holiday to coincide with a star-studded hot dog luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Hot dogs have become an American tradition, especially at the ballpark, where fans eat more than 25 million each year. Their popularity stretches far beyond baseball, too — 7-Eleven sells more than 100 million grilled hot dogs annually across North America. They even made history as one of the first foods eaten on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
Whether you like yours topped with classic mustard and relish or loaded with chili, onions, cheese, or your favorite fixings, today is the perfect day to celebrate. Just remember, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council's etiquette guide, if you're over 18, ketchup is considered off-limits on a hot dog.
