Hot Dog Day to be held for real Saturday, April 30

2022 is the fiftieth year since Alfred University and Alfred State College organized the first Hot Dog Day – although organizers such as Alfred University student David Jensen concede this year’s Hot Dog Day will not be the fiftieth celebration, due to Covid-related interruptions in 2020 and 2021.

Nevertheless, Alfred University Hot Dog Day organizers are working hard to welcome back the tradition, which will begin Saturday at noon, April 30, as the traditional Hot Dog Day parade steps out onto Alfred’s Main Street. This year, Hot Dog Day founders Mark O’Meara '74, '78 MSEd and Eric Vaughn '73 will return to Alfred to serve as parade marshals.

Following the parade, the action will shift to the Alfred University campus, where vendors will set up their booths and volunteers will grill hot dogs along Alfred University’s Allen Way. Additional entertainments will be found on the lawn of The Brick dormitory, and a concert featuring Fitz and the Tantrums will be held in the parking area behind Jordan Hall (formerly Carnegie Hall). Access gates to the concert area will open at 6 pm.

Proceeds from Hot Dog Day traditionally support a number of local non-profit organizations. This year the following organizations will receive funding from Hot Dog Day proceeds: The A. E. Crandall Hook and Ladder Company, the Box of Book Library, ARC Allegany-Steuben; Alfred Montessori School, Allegany County Mental Health Association, the Alfred Station Fire Company, and the Allegany-Cattaraugus-Chautauqua Fund for Women.

Hot Dog Day is supported financially by the Alfred University Student Senate.