Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is an annual competition held every July 4th at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. It celebrates Independence Day and features contestants competing to eat the most hot dogs in a set time, typically ten minutes. The event has become a popular tradition, attracting thousands of spectators and millions of viewers on television. The contest is organized by Nathan's Famous, a hot dog restaurant that has been in operation since 1916. It gained fame through its competitive eating events, particularly with the rise of champion eaters like Joey Chestnut, who has set multiple records in the contest.