Hot Dog eating contest holds weigh-in

Updated: Jul. 04, 2012, 2:36 p.m.
Published: Jul. 04, 2012, 1:36 p.m.

Associated Press

AP PhotoHot-dog eating record holders Joey Chestnut, left, and Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas weigh in Tuesday for the annual Coney Island Fourth of July international hot-dog eating contest.

Some world-champion speed eaters attended a weigh-in Tuesday in the run-up to New York's annual July 4th hot dog contest.

Defending champions Joey Chestnut and Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas weigh 210 and 100 pounds, respectively.

A display table held two platters of neatly stacked hot dogs and buns, along with two ornate champion belts — pink for her, mustard yellow for him.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg officiated at the City Hall Park ceremony. After rattling off countless puns, including "dog fight," the mayor threw caution to the wind.

He asked: "Who wrote this?" That sentence ended with a naughty word.

The main event is today in Coney Island.

The Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest has been a city tradition for 97 years.

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