Why is there a giant hot dog in Times Square?
I was walking down 8th Avenue last night and overheard an older gentleman say, “Times Square is the Seaside Heights of New York.”
I wasn’t sure what to make of the comment, but then I remembered there’s currently a 65-foot-long hot dog sculpture sitting in the middle of the famed juncture.
So maybe he has a point.
Anyway, back to the hot dog.
‘Hot Dog in the City’
The massive sculpture is called “Hot Dog in the City.”
It’s by artists Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw.
Unveiled on April 30, the sculpture, which at 65 feet long is set to top the record for World’s Largest Hot Dog Sculpture according to Times Square Arts, will sit in place through Thursday, June 13. It rests at Broadway and 46th Street.
The piece “consists of a colossal bun and classic red-tinged frankfurter topped with a giant drizzle of mustard,” according to Times Square Arts.
Oh, it’s also equipped with hydraulics and shoots a burst of confetti each day at noon.
“Hot Dog in the City” will host condiment debates, a wrestling match, a canine beauty pageant, a hot-dog-eating contest and more throughout its stay. While the events are free, RSVPs are encouraged. Tickets, $32, are required for the companion “To Be Frank: A Hot Dog Summit” at Town Hall on Sunday, June 9.
According to Times Square Arts, “drawing parallels between the history of the hot dog and American culture as a whole, the project sheds light on topics such as street vending as an immigrant experience, the underbelly of the meat industry, the patriarchy of meateating and American politics.”
And the confetti showers?
“Staged at high noon, these confetti festivities playfully reference quintessential American celebrations — from New Year’s Eve and hometown parades, to political rallies and gender reveal parties — as well as the hypermasculinity and showmanship often associated with American culture and patriotism,” according to Times Square Arts.
For a full schedule of events, to RSVP or for more information, visit arts.timessquarenyc.org/timessquare-arts/projects/at-the-crossroads/hot-dog-in-the-city/index.aspx.