July 4th...to be continued later

Every year, we miss the annual hot dog eating contest at Coney Island. this year, we were on the ball. Contestants from from all over the world to scarf down as many dogs (with buns) as possible in 12 minutes. it's amazing and disgusting all at the same time.

We couldnt find parking at coney island, so we had to park about 1/2 a mile away in Brighton Beach, aka Little Odessa. We took the boardwalk route and enjoyed the beach views.

In Brighton:


Getting closer to Coney Island:


Just outside the amusement park:


We walked a little around the park before heading over to the contest. It's so sad that all this will be torn down for new development!


The cyclone - the wooden rollercoaster! (I think this historical ride might be the only thing getting preserved after the land sale down here.)








At the hotdog eating contest (thanks to super digital zoom on my camera!):





The token chic contestant:


Contestants getting ready:


Ready, set, eat! The only real competition was between the returning 6 time Japanese champion and the American (Joey Chestnut) underdog. (no pun intended) Japanese Kobaiashi consumed 63 hotdogs, while Chestnut smashed the world record of 59 dogs with 66!!