Wiener Fest is back, and organizers believe it will be bigger and better than last year.
“We have a really good feeling about it,” said Molly Swift, of Love Augusta, who is one of the brains behind the event that frankly promises a hot-diggity dog good time. “Online, there’s been a good vibe.”
It’s scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. May 18 at Savannah River Brewing Co.
All of last year’s vendors relished the chance to come back for a second year, she said. They include Fat Man’s Cafe, Sno-Cap Drive In, Villa Europa, Fuse Mobile and El Rey/The Munchies Snacks. They’ve added a few new ones as well. Vance’s Bakery Bar and Augusta Pop Co. will provide the sweets to top off the hot dogs.
Swift said about 1,000 people attended last year’s inaugural event. The vendors ran out of food last year, but they are preparing for bigger crowds this year.
See more: In pictures: And the wiener is…Scenes from the 2023 Wiener Fest.
The Mason Jars will provide musical entertainment.
The big event, of course, is the hot dog eating contest. Swift said they hope to have more participants so that they can have more than one eating bracket.
Up for grabs (besides the bragging rights) is a handcrafted footlong trophy created by Tire City Potters.
Hot dog eating hopefuls can sign up until May 13.
There are prizes for best wiener cosplay. There’s a photo booth and food judging by local celebrity judges. Hot dog vendors will compete for Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards.
The event is free, but special VIP packages ranging from $25 to $125 are available. Four different VIP levels feature perks such reserved seating and craft beer. For more information, go here.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
