For some strange reason, 4th of July weekend marks the time when the most famous of eating contests takes place.

Of course, I'm talking about the annual Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York. Before there was American champ, Joey Chestnut, there was Takeru Kobayashi, who was a consistent champ. Sure, there were some off years for Chestnut, where the first female champ, Sonya "The Black Widow" Thomas, claimed the title.

This year Joey Chestnut has qualified for the contest by downing 73.5 hot dogs in 10 minutes this past weekend beating his previous record of 69.

Remember that time when Chesnut tackled Illegal Pete's Burrito Challenge in Denver?

If competitive eating is your jam, check out some of these contests happening this week in Colorado.

The City of Florence will be hosting the Rocky Mountain Bank & Trust Florence Fourth of July Festival, beginning July 2nd. It'll be a three-day event, and hot dog eating comes during the very first Florence Cup team competition. The Florence Cup will host 10-person teams who will compete in eight events including volleyball, horseshoes, a flippy cup obstacle, 5k run, tug-o-war, hot dog eating contest, sumo wrestling, and a climbing wall competition. Cost is $50/per team. You can sign up here.

http://www.canoncitydailyrecord.com/news/canoncity-local-news/ci_30059153/city-florence-amps-up-fourth-july-party

Finally, a Pie Eating Contest will be held as part of Cherry Days in Paonia, Colorado. The Cherry Pie Eating Contest will take place on July 4th at 1p, followed by the 1st Annual Cherry Pit Spit contest.

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