CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — While New York’s Coney Island is renowned for its Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Cedar Rapids has its own version that drew a good crowd downtown. The event took place on the patio between Big Grove and The Pickle Palace, where participants competed to see who could eat the most hot dogs in five minutes. Both the bun and the sausage had to be consumed for the hot dog to count.
Dennis Fratella emerged victorious, managing to eat eight hot dogs.
“It feels good to win. Just love to come out and I love the Fourth of July — It’s my favorite holiday. So, I just so happen to be good at this as well,” said Fratella, who took home a $100 gift card from Big Grove…