HOT DOG CONTEST

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
STUFFING YOURSELF IS ENCOURAGED — Eight entrants tried to scarf down as many hot dogs as possible during an eating contest on Aug. 13 as part of the inaugural Maine Red Hot Festival in Dexter. Competitors had five minutes to eat as many hot dogs with buns, and optional condiments, as a crowd gathered around a table in the municipal parking lot. Both the lot and Main Street were closed as pedestrians could walk and check out the vendors and events throughout the day. The festival was sponsored by the Dexter Revitalization Committee and Maine Highlands Federal Credit with many other businesses and organizations also involved.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
TOP DOG — Dakota Bouley of Dover-Foxcroft earned first-place honors during the hot dog eating contest at Saturday’s first annual Maine Red Hot Dog Festival in Dexter. Bouley consumed 7.5 hot dogs in five minutes, the most of eight competitors.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
UNDER THE JUDGES’ WATCH — Members of the Dexter Fire Department served as judges during the Maine Red Hot Festival hot dog eating contest on Saturday. The inaugural festival was sponsored by the Dexter Revitalization Committee and Maine Highlands Federal Credit with many other businesses and organizations also involved.

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
MAINE RED HOT DOG FESTIVAL — The municipal parking lot in downtown Dexter was set up for the first annual Maine Red Hot Dog Festival on Saturday, Aug. 13. 

Observer photo/Stuart Hedstrom
RED SNAPPERS — Maine red hot dogs were served up by the thousands in Dexter over the weekend for the inaugural festival celebrating the item.