Hot diggity-dog! Washington’s going to try to “ketchup” with New York City when it comes to offering a hot dog-eating contest on the Fourth of July.

Can the Original Washington “cut the mustard” with it’s version of such a contest?

Will the local contest become an event that people will “relish” for years to come?

The Big Apple is known for its Independence Day hot dog-eating contest, televised in recent years, at Nathan’s Famous hot-dog stand. Well, the Original Washington will be the site of a hot dog-eating contest during July 4 activities on its waterfront. Unlike the Nathan’s Famous contest in which contestants eat as many hot dogs as they can in 10 minutes, the Washington contest calls for contestants to eat 10 fully-loaded Warren’s hot dogs (buns included) as fast as they can. The contestant who scarfs down the 10 hot dogs in the least amount of time wins the contest. Each contestant will be given 32 ounces of water to help get the hot dogs moving.

Coldwell Banker Coastal Rivers Realty is the sponsor of the contest, which begins at 6 p.m. Entry forms may be picked up at the real-estate office at 1550 W. Fifth St., Washington, or they may be obtained by calling 252-975-8010. Early registration ends at 5 p.m. July 1 at the real-estate office. Late registrations will be accepted from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. at the contest site the day of the event. Contest rules are on the back of the entry form.

The entry fee for the contest is $10 a person. The contest winner will receive a cash prize, yet to be determined, according to the Washington Harbor District Alliance, organizers of the contest.

The hot dog-eating contest is one of several events that are part of the July 4 afternoon festivities organized and supported by Lee Chevrolet, the City of Washington and WHDA. The festivities will take place at Festival Park.

In addition to the fireworks show, set to begin around 9 p.m., festivities include a performance by Spare Change from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., a cornhole tournament and an appearance by Joy the Clown, who will perform magic and make balloon animals, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The East Carolina Cornhole League will run the cornhole tournament. Tournament registration begins at 2 p.m., with the tournament running from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The entry fee is $30 per team, with $300 in prize money up for grabs. For more information about the tournament, call Jerry Sneed at 252-402-6056.

For those who aren’t interested in the hot dog-eating contest but want to dine while at the waterfront, food vendors will help satisfy those appetites.

For more information about the July 4 festivities at Festival Park, call the Washington Harbor District Alliance at 252-946-3969.