“Dog Days of Summer” July 4th celebration a success

news release

When the City of Vero Beach invited The Source to partner with them for a new two-part July 4^th celebration at Riverside Park, it led to a premier “Dog Days of Summer.” The event preceded the City’s annual Independence Day on The Indian River.

Winner of hot dog contest Randy Santel in center with first runner up Katina DeJarnett on right and 2nd runner up Albert D’Errico

“Dog Days of Summer” kicked off the day from 1:30p.m.-4:00 p.m. including children’s activities, food trucks, hot dog competitions and live DJ Music by Nalzara Music, as Tamara Darress, “The Parisian Hostess,” emceed proceedings from the main stage.

Throughout the event, seven booths set up by local businesses and organizations offered event-goers a choice of their best and most innovative hot dog as part of the “Top Dog Competition.” A distinguished panel of judges tasted and rated each hot dog for texture, presentation and taste. In the end, The People’s Choice Award went to Mrs. Mac’s Fillin’ Station and The Top Dog Award went to Wilkes 14 Bones BBQ. The judge’s panel included Vero Vine/Vero Beach Marketing and Vero Foodie Stacy Cook, Christian FM’s Bruce Douglas, professional eaters Randy Santel and Katina DeJarnett, Vero Beach Mayor John Cotugno, Sihle Insurance Group’s Heaven DeMarie and popular food blogger & social media influencer Treasure Coast Foodie Tom Miller.

In the end, the 3rd place winner was Ketchup’s Hotdogz; 2^nd Place winner was Joe’s All American Tap Café and 1^st Place was Rinconcito de Tu Casa. The People’s Choice Award went to Mrs. Mac’s Fillin’ Station and The Top Dog Award went to Wilkes 14 Bones BBQ. The judge’s panel included Vero Vine’s Stacy Cook, Christian FM’s Bruce Douglas, You-Tubers Randy Santel and Katina DeJarnett, Vero Beach Mayor John Cotugno, Sihle Insurance Group’s Heaven DeMarie and Treasure Coast Foodie Tom Miller.

The event’s highlight was a hot dog eating contest. Fifteen contestants competed for the title and a grand prize by devouring as many hot dogs as possible within a 15-minute time limit. Third Place winner with a total of 15 hot dogs eaten was Albert D’Errico; Second place winner with 21 hot dogs eaten was Katina DeJarnett; and top winner, within a slim margin of 22 hot dogs eaten, was Randy Santel.

Presenting Sponsors for the event included Sihle Insurance Group and The George Shinn Foundation. Other sponsors included Suzanne Chesser, George Hamner, Dr. Thomas & Joanne Balshi, Lionel & Kathy Lowry, Charles W. Sinclair, Emmett and Margaret Anne Evans, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lindsey, Cindy O’Dare, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lyles, James Ford Bell, Omega P.A., Jean and Gene Cravens, ABC Printing, Crown Painting, Christian FM, Tamara Darress, and Kountry Kitchen.

After that came the annual City of Vero Beach Independence Day on the Indian River featuring live music by Johnnie & The Blaze, a mobile bar serving wine and beer, a Silent Auction of goods & services, Pie Eating Contests and a spectacular Fireworks Show by Zambelli Fireworks sponsored by Mulligan’s Beach House & Grill, accompanied by synchronized music on 103.7 FM.

YouTube personalities Katina DeJarnett and Randy Santel had a blast at the contest and shared, “Together with the help of all the attendees, we were able to support the homeless community around Vero Beach!” For more information on “Dog Days of Summer” and The Source, contact Development Director Jonathan Orozco at 772-564-0202.