<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2z7FSJ_1GnuARbY00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2z7FSJ_1GnuARbY00" width="1200" height="783" ><figcaption>Rex Kwon Do fights back the regurg while fellow contestants at last year’s Animas Hot Dog Comp take a hot sec to collect themselves. This year’s comp takes place at the American Legion on Nov. 11. /Courtesy photo</figcaption></figure>If you’re looking for a reprieve from all the recent mayhem and destruction, local resident Cal Neff has just what the doctor ordered. (Actually, no sane doctor would ever order this, but stay with us here.)On Wed., Nov 11, at 6 p.m., he will be hosting the Animas Hot Dog Comp at the American Legion, which is pretty much just as it sounds. The event will pit 15 brave souls in a contest of gastronomical fortitude as they try to shove as many hot dogs down their gullet as humanly possible within 30 minutes. And just to make sure those dogs are down and stay down, there will be a requisite five-minute waiting period post contest in the event of any, shall we say, reverse digestion. (And in case there are any complications, a firefighter will be on hand for Heimliching, hair holding or any other medical needs.)“You’ve got 30 minutes to shine,” said Neff. “If you throw up, you’re disqualified.”Best of all, this spectacle is completely free for intrepid viewers who are into competitive eating or maybe just competitive-eating curious, making it the best free spectator event outside of Snowdown.“It’s just a good scene for locals without having to break the bank,” Neff, who when not slinging dogs is slinging gear at Backcountry Experience, said. “I want it to be free, especially with everything going on these days.”This will be the fifth annual running of the dogs, but only the second time it’s been held in a public venue for the carnage-loving masses. The first three were held in Neff’s apartment, the result of a serious wager among two friends – you know, a lot like the Iron Horse of hotdog eating.“Me and my buddy Jack were sitting around, and I said, ‘I bet I can eat more hot dogs than you,” Neff recalled.Well, the gauntlet was thrown, one thing led to another and before you could say, “hold the mustard,” the two were livestreaming their comp on the FB.“It started with eight people, then went to 10 and kept growing,” he said. “Eventually I said, ‘I can’t host this at my house anymore.”After the third year, Neff started thinking about a larger venue for the event, which always takes place on 11/11 – incidentally, also Veteran’s Day. That’s when he decided to make it not just about gluttony (although it mostly is) but to turn it into a fundraiser for veterans. He reached out to the good folks at the American Legion about hosting in 2025, and they were happy to oblige – and even signed up for another round in 2026.Although the event is free to spectators, donations will be collected for veterans, and part of the proceeds from the $15 entrance fee for contestants will also go into the donation pot.For Neff’s part, he buys all the buns and hot dogs out of his own pocket. Hebrew National, if you must know, although sometimes there are not enough in town, and he has to resort to other brands.“Last year, we had 300 hot dogs. It adds up quick,” he said. “But I’m here for it, to make it happen.”Speaking of which, as of last Tuesday, there was still a spot open for one lucky competitor, preferably without a strong gag reflex. Local businesses have donated prizes for all eaters, and the grand champ – in addition to being crowned King or Queen Frankfurter – will win a “custom trophy.”Neff, who was the reigning champ for two years – with 11 and 12 hot dogs, respectively – said he has decided to retire from competition and eating hot dogs in general.“I can’t do it anymore,” he said. “To be honest, I can’t really stomach hot dogs.”But for those who can, he said there are various strategies for becoming top dog, from the intermittent binger to the off-the-coucher to the dipper (more on that in a second.)“One guy told me he doesn’t really eat, and when he does, it’s giant meals,” said Neff.As for the popular dipping method, in which contestants dip the entire hot dog, bun included, into a glass of water to make it slide down easier, Neff said he is not a fan.“I’ve tried it. It’s like a weird, beige mash. It’s not very appealing,” he confided.Then again, who said anything about palatability? This is all about helping the veterans and giving locals something to do on a dark hump day eve. In addition to the main event, there will be live music by Farmington Latin dance band Los Mitotitos to help work off the food coma, and for those attendees who are still hungry, even after watching the “feast”ivities, there’ll be – you guessed it – hot dogs for sale.“There’s not many chances to do this kind of thing,” Neff said. “The idea is to put smiles on faces and make a Wednesday night more fun.” ■</div></body>

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If you’re looking for a reprieve from all the recent mayhem and destruction, local resident Cal Neff has just what the doctor ordered. (Actually, no sane doctor would ever order this, but stay with us here.) On Wed., Nov 11, at 6 p.m., he will be hosting the Animas...

The wiener takes it all

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If you’re looking for a reprieve from all the recent mayhem and destruction, local resident Cal Neff has just what the doctor ordered. (Actually, no sane d

The wiener takes it all

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