Fireworks (July 4, 2010)

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest was the big deal of the day. After that, we thought we could go somewhere and see fireworks, this is New York City. Only after talking to the concierge at the hotel did we realize, this is New York City, Macy’s puts on the biggest fireworks display in the nation. Wow! The next question was, where do we go to see the fireworks? The answer was the Hudson river. The same place Captain Scully landed the airplane a while back. Then the concierge gave us a really interesting idea.

Joey Chestnut (July 4, 2010)

About the time we were finishing our hot dogs, Joey Chestnut, winner of the 2010 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, showed up. People were chanting his name. Joey was posing for a few pictures. Connor and I ran up to him. Connor asked for a picture and Joey obliged. This was a very cool moment.

Nathan’s Hot Dogs (July 4, 2010)

We waited about an hour after the hot dog contest to try and get a hot dog. Nathan’s was still packed. We did need a hot dog from the original Nathan’s Hot Dogs so we waited in line about 20 minutes (for a hot dog!). Nathan’s could not cook the hot dogs fast enough. 3 of the 4 sides of the building were open with cash registers. There were 20 minute lines in all directions. Eventually, we succeeded got our hot dogs and sat down to eat. Then something amazing happened.

Shoot the Freak (July 4, 2010)

This is the ultimate in what the carnival atmosphere on Coney Island has become. The setting is a trash filled pit with a few physical obstacles and a balcony that shooters stand on. You pay the money (5$ for 15 shots) and a real person will go out into the pit wearing protective gear and you get to shoot at him. This is both awesome and sick at the same time. Of course, I had to do it. My shots were accurate and when the 15 shots were over several observers commented me on my accuracy. The freak was hit in the head more than one time.

http://www.coneyislandfunguide.com/Attraction/Shoot-the-Freak.htm

Coney Island (July 4, 2010)

This was our first trip to Coney Island. Imagine a traveling carnival that has stopped moving, parked itself on the beach, and multiplied. This is Coney Island. The place was absolutely packed. There were crowds everywhere. The beach was a sea of tents. There were permanent carnival rides and booths everywhere. It was very hot and very crowded. Unless you are into hot dog eating contests, you should stay away on July 4th.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest (July 4, 2010)

This was the main reason for the trip. Connor and I have been watching this on TV for years. It is now time to see it live.

There were over 75,000 people in the crowd. The street was very crowded. We were standing, packed, in the blazing heat, for two hours waiting for the event to start. The crowd was approaching mob status while waiting for the event.

Finally, the contest started. There was controversy over Takeru Kobayashi not being allowed to compete. Joey Chestnut wins! He comes nowhere near last year’s total without competition.

The event was a total freak show emphasizing every Coney Island stereotype you have ever heard. We had a blast!

Time Square Dinner (July 3, 2010)

We had dinner in Times Square. This was a repeat experience. The Olive Garden in Times Square has windows that overlook the scene below. If you time it right, you can see Times Square transition from daytime to nighttime. It is great.