8 Things You Didn't Know About Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

The Fourth of July calls for barbecues, fireworks, and of course, Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest. It's been reported that the yearly spectacle has been around since 1916, when Nathan's flagship restaurant on Surf Avenue in Coney Island opened.

Major League Eating sanctions the contest every year. The organization oversees all professional eating contests. While the hot dog eating contest is probably the most well-known, they oversee 80 events annually.

Check out the slideshow above to learn 8 facts you didn't know about the famed Fourth of July event.