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SatMar 16

National Corn Dog Day – March 16, 2024

While the jury’s still out on knowing exactly who invented the corn dog, one thing is certain: It’s about as American as food items get. Cornmeal was a staple of the Native American diet, and hot dogs are an American adaptation of a German classic. The marriage of these ingredients led to the creation of an item that dominated a fair share of 20th century grab-and-go food sales, and in the process, became a cultural icon. On March 16, we celebrate the corn dog’s iconic status with National Corn Dog Day!

National Corn Dog Day timeline

1929
Krusty Korn Dog

The Krusty Korn Dog machine is featured in the Albert Pick-L. Barth catalog of hotel supplies.

1941
Portland’s Pronto Pup

A small shop named Pronto Pup begins selling hot dogs coated in cornmeal and deep-fried on a stick.

1942
‘Corny’ Dogs

Vaudeville performers Carl and Neil Fletcher start selling ‘Corny Dogs’ at the Texas State Fair.

June 16, 1946
The O.G. Corn Dog on a Stick

Illinois-based Cozy Dog Drive In, which claims to be the first to sell corn dogs on a stick, opens its doors.

National Corn Dog Day Activities

  1. Take a trip to Coney Island

    Coney Island might not be the home of the first corn, but you can certainly find a lot of them here! Check out the pier for all of the hot dog stands.

  2. Make your own

    If they were difficult to make, they probably wouldn't be served at fairs. Making corn dogs is an easy process, and if you do it at home, you can have it your way. Mushroom swiss hot dog for the inside — why not?

  3. Find the best near you

    Corn dogs aren't just for fairs anymore! Check out your local holes-in-the-wall to see if they're hiding this American classic somewhere on their menu.

Why We Love National Corn Dog Day

  1. They're the everyman's food

    The appeal of the corn dog crosses economic boundaries — rich or poor, you'll have a hard time finding a whole group of people who isn't down with the corn dog.

  2. They're easy to eat

    It's practically a universal truth: if it can be eaten on a stick, it better be eaten on a stick.

  3. They're the opposite of healthy

    Salads have their place in the world, but when you're looking for something to stick to your ribs, corn dogs do the trick.

National Corn Dog Day dates

YearDateDay
2021March 20Saturday
2022March 19Saturday
2023March 18Saturday
2024March 16Saturday
2025March 15Saturday

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