Coney Island hosts the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest every Fourth of July, attracting thousands and bolstering local businesses. This year, attendance is expected to surpass previous years as 16-time champion Joey Chestnut returns. The area features three miles of beachfront, an amusement park with historic rides, and various attractions. Past damages from Hurricane Sandy and pandemic restrictions posed challenges for local businesses, but a rebound is evident. More patrons visit on this holiday compared to other summer days, providing a critical boost to the local economy.
Every Fourth of July, thousands descend on the Coney Island boardwalk to watch the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, which is the busiest day of the year for the neighborhood.
This year's hot dog eating contest is expected to have an even bigger attendance than previous years, as 16-time champion Joey Chestnut returns after being banned in 2024.
Coney Island's growth was slammed by damage from Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and then from the pandemic shutdowns in 2020, severely affecting local businesses.
Steve Cohen estimated Coney Island has about twice as many patrons on the holiday compared to any other day of the summer, marking a significant recovery.
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