Fall River Rolls Out the Buns for Epic Coney Classic Contest

Hot dog, this is gonna be good. Hold onto your buns, Fall River; things are about to get deliciously wild.

On Thursday, July 17, Viva Fall River and Faneek’s Coney Island Hot Dogs are teaming up to launch the very first Fall River Coney Classic smack in the heart of downtown. The city’s stomachs will rumble and spectators will cheer as local legends (and soon-to-be champs) go head-to-head in a race to devour as many wieners as humanly possible.

The Coney Classic is part of Viva Fall River’s new Thursday summer block party series, which transforms Purchase Street into a bustling festival of food, fun and community vibes – but this one’s got an extra bite.

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Two Contests, One Winner (Or a Whole Team)

Here’s how the Coney Classic breaks down:

• Solo Showdown: Competitive eaters will take the spotlight in an all-out race to eat the most hot dogs.
• Team Throwdown: Groups of five will attempt to down 50 hot dogs in record time.

That’s right – five bellies, one mission.

The fastest crew to finish all 50 dogs wins the glory, and yes, there will be cash prizes on the line, thanks in part to generous support from sponsors like Rockland Trust, Mallard Printing, Gold Medal Bakery and Kayem Hot Dogs.

“I’ve been wanting to bring something like this to life for a while now,” said Liz Carpenter, owner of Faneek’s. “We’ve done smaller-scale contests before, but this is the first time we’re putting it on a big stage with the whole city behind it.”

The event will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with local DJ entertainment, outdoor bars, activities for kids, plenty of good food to go around and MC'ed by yours truly, Gazelle.

It also comes just two days after National Hot Dog Day, making it the perfect post-holiday celebration.

READ MORE: SouthCoast Hot Dog Joints We Loved and Lost Forever

More Than a Meal — It’s a Movement

Patti Rego, Executive Director of Viva Fall River, sees the Coney Classic as more than just an eating contest.

“Fall River loves hot dogs,” she said with a laugh. “We’ve got so many iconic spots here. This event isn’t just about food; it’s about highlighting our small businesses, bringing people downtown, and having a blast doing something totally out of the box.”

Rego praised Carpenter for her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community.

“Liz is always game for a fun idea, and she really gets what it means to bring people together," she said.

Hungry Yet?

Whether you’re a speed eater, a cheering fan, or just there to watch people stuff their mouths with hot dogs, signups open May 1 and slots are expected to fill fast. Contestants will be supported by volunteers (with eyes on both safety and counting every last bite), and this is shaping up to be one of the most unique events of the summer.

Wanna Throw Your Name in the Bun?

Slide into Faneek’s DMs on Instagram or Facebook, because in Fall River this July, the gaggers aren’t just hot – they’re historic.

“This is just the beginning,” Carpenter said. “The dream is to make this an annual event, something people look forward to every summer. And if you’re not competing, come hungry anyway. We’ll have plenty of Coney dogs on deck.”

Don’t worry if scarfing down 10 hot dogs in under two minutes isn’t your thing. The event is part of a larger downtown block party, which means there’ll be music, family-friendly games, food vendors and outdoor bars from local restaurants all lining Purchase Street. It’s shaping up to be the ultimate kickoff to summer fun in Fall River.

“We’re hoping this becomes a signature event. We’re celebrating local food, creativity, and a whole lot of community pride – with a little ketchup and mustard on top," Rego said.

So whether you’re a hot dog hero or just here for the show, the Fall River Coney Classic is a can’t-miss bite of summer.