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Published Sunday, June 28, 2009 in Local
'Buffalo' eats 22 Nathan's hot dogs
The Times-Herald
A local crowd cheered on a number of America's best competitive eaters Saturday at the Junction Lanes Entertainment Center.
Participants in the Southeast Regional Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest were vying for a chance to compete in Nathan's National July Fourth Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, New York.
A number of contestants devoured hot dogs and buns for 10 minutes, despite temperatures in the mid-90s.
"Buffalo" Jim Reeves, a chicken wing eating specialist from Buffalo, N.Y., took first place by eating 22 hot dogs and buns. Reeves flew into town with his family Saturday morning. He will now compete in the Fourth of July competition, which will be televised on ESPN.
"I will do my best to make Atlanta proud," Reeves said. "I have more in common with the people of Atlanta than the people of Buffalo."
Reeves admitted that he wasn't used to the heat of the southeast. He also said that his stomach holds a capacity of 20 pounds of food and water. The 22 hot dogs he ate, he estimated, only weighed about 10 pounds. He said his limitations are that his throat and jaw get tired and can't handle the food. Ultimately, Reeves said Saturday's feast was "nothing," and that he planned to go to dinner with his family later in the day.
Reeves' personal best came a little over two weeks ago when he ate 27-and-a-half hot dogs. He's been competitive eating for six years, and he got started when a friend dared him to enter a wings competition. He's continued competing because he gets to interact with nice people, he enjoys the food, and he gets to travel with his family to places they might not see otherwise, he said.
"It's awesome," Reeves said of Saturday's victory. He admitted that he's come in second place so many times that he'd started to get discouraged.
After the Coney Island competition, he plans to participate in a few contests this summer, such as the buffalo wing competition and the Krystal's burger eating world championship.
Allen "the Shredder" Goldstein, a bologna eating champion from Long Island, N.Y., came in second place Saturday, eating 20 hot dogs -- and washing them down with iced tea rather than water. His personal best is 27 hot dogs.
There were also a few Georgia competitors taking part in Saturday's event.
Paul Barlow, of Kennesaw, has been competing for seven years. Saturday, he ate 11 hot dogs.
"I get no better," he joked. But he sticks with it because he's "hungry" and "it's fun."
Two other locals -- Cory Graham and Jason Woody, both Atlanta natives -- also competed Saturday.
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I have never been to a all you can eat buffet. Thats why the women call me the Nordic God of Newnan.
Posted by Bubba B Bad at 2:26 AM
We need more things to do in Newnan. The afternoon was entertaining and cheap. Wish we had somewhere to go every weekend in town.
Posted by heidi at 8:02 PM
Katie have you ever been to an all you can eat buffet? I'm sure you have as I'm sure we all have. While you were there did you eat too much? I'm sure you did as I'm sure we all did. Oh wait, you probably have not because you are the absolute pinnacle of decency and moderation. Poor Katie!!
Posted by Oscar Valerious at 4:45 PM
Saturday history was made when a unique event came to Coweta County. The Southeastern Qualifier for Nathan's Hot Dog's was held at Junction Lanes. Many may think this was a ridiculous event for the "City of Homes", but this event is held nation wide leading up to the final event at Coney Island in New York. The scorching heat was endured by approximately 1000 visitors.The part Community Welcome House had was simple; vendors to surround the event for a day of family enjoyment and information on resources here in our community. Community Welcome House will take every opportunity afforded them to bring education to end domestic violence in our community. I wish to thank each person that played a role in bringing Nathan's to Coweta County. Those that feel it was ridiculous, oh well!
Posted by Linda Kirkpatrick at 8:56 AM
Yep puttin a hot dog down. A whole lot of em.
Posted by Bubba B Bad at 3:04 AM
Ryan, You are right. Some people only feel better about themselves when they are able to put everyone and everything thing around them down.
Posted by Kim at 3:37 PM
We went to this on Saturday and it was fun to watch and it was FREE. It is great for Newnan to be involved in things like this, and if it wasn't so hot, the vendors would have had a better turnout. The competition on ESPN is fun to watch and is merely for entertainment. Waah, Waah, Waah to all of you Debbie Downers that have to be so negative about everything. What about that new purse you bought or that lipstick, how many weiners could you have bought the homeless with that money?
Posted by Kim at 3:32 PM
"All beef", all pork, all chicken or whatever meat they are made with is not the only concern in hot dogs. The casings are either made of synthetic cellulose or animal intestines and not to mention all the "filler" in the meat. You gotta go see the documentary movie, "Food, Inc."
Posted by Mary Jane at 8:19 AM
Katie, you are ridiculous. Nobody can have any fun or do anything since it's not going to church, oh no....let's all freak out!
Posted by Newnan resident at 8:07 AM
I am surprised there wasn't more participants with all the fat people in Coweta County.
Posted by Bubba B Bad at 1:58 AM
This whole food eating competition stuff is ridiculous. I hope this guy and all of the rest feel like circus/sideshow freaks, because that is what they are. I would file this article in the archives under "GLUTTONY".
Posted by Katie at 8:17 PM
I also attended the contest and I took along my homeless friend. She refused to eat the hot dogs they were givig away since they are thought to be unhealthy food. Me - I ate 4. Yum-yum !! Then she tried to talk me into taking her to the Dwarf House for dinner. NOT ! I dropped her off and went home and took a nap.
Posted by felix at 6:14 PM
I went to this competition Saturday...and it was actually quite fun to watch. It is sad to me that so many have no joy in their life, that they insist on spewing negative on EVERYTHING. It was all in the name of fun, something that really doesn't have a purpose other than to entertain....if you watch TV then you are being "entertained"--consider how much money was spent on making that program or the commercials during it...hmmm...wonder how many hotdogs that could have bought the needy?...think of that before you bashing.
Posted by A fun person at 12:26 PM
This was a great event for the Newnan area. It brought a lot of attention to our city. Thanks to Junction Lanes Family Entertainment Center, Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, Bruster's Ice Cream and the Welcome House for sponsoring this event. Sally, for you lots of Hot Dog were given away to anyone that wanted them at the contest. Mary Jane, Nathan's Hot Dogs are ALL beef as most people know.
Posted by Peggy at 12:22 PM
You people are a joke!!! God forbid someone has a little fun in Newnan. Let them be, and worry about yourself. Oh and like the news about a newnan resident making American Idol is new. (Hint Hint - Last season)
Posted by Newnan resident at 10:40 PM
Oh sorry victoria, like building another church is news? Typical Cowetian! Some of these guys do this for a living, and live fine. It is not for everyone, and you surley didnt need to read the story!
Posted by Joe Schmoe at 10:05 PM
Folks, we are in times that are sad and depressing. Several wars are currently being battled and it appears more are to come. Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and now Billy Mays have all died. Lighten up and enjoy the entertainment provided to you. These folks do this for fun and their enjoyment. Allow them this and don't bash them for it. Just because it is not doom and gloom or something about the President doesn't mean it is not news. Just because this is not an olympic sport does not mean the local newspaper should not print this. Thank you for fun articles Times Herald!
Posted by Oscar Valerious at 8:45 PM
I think all the negative comments that are posted on this newspaper in different topics are probally from the same people!
Posted by Ryan at 6:35 PM
Wow!! is this some olympic sport and there are endorsements to follow?? I don't think so. Not an accomplishment I would want to be proud of.. Can't believe this actually made the news.
Posted by victoria at 3:54 PM
Oh my lord! It's not like these people eat 22 or 27 hot dogs everyday...its was a contest. People need to lighten up and have some fun.
Posted by CO at 12:48 PM
All those hot dogs could have gone to feed the homeless. Sickening to see such waste in these economic times.
Posted by economy sally at 8:34 AM
These people are definitely setting themselves up for all sorts of health issues, not to exclude the possibility of colon cancer. If you've ever read the ingredient list in either the hot dog or the buns you'll see why I say what I say. Oh by the way...there's a great movie out called "Food, Inc." - a must watch for all Americans.
Posted by Mary Jane at 7:56 AM
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Hungry
7/3/2009
Link To This Comment
Please be aware that the event in New York on the 4th is used as a way to generate donations for 'feed the hungry' programs.
Posted by Adam Reuter at 9:08 PM