National Corn Dog Day (Third Saturday in March)
National Corn Dog Day, celebrated on the third Saturday of March, honors a beloved American snack that combines a juicy hot dog with a crispy cornmeal batter.
This weird March holiday is the perfect excuse to enjoy a classic corndog, try a creative variation, or learn more about its history.
Whether you prefer yours deep-fried, baked, or with a gourmet twist, there’s a corndog for everyone.
When is the Holiday?
This tasty day falls on the third Saturday of March every year.
This means the exact date changes annually, but it always lands in the heart of March Madness, making it a great pairing with college basketball.
Who Invented the Corndog?
The origins of the corndog are debated, with multiple claims to its invention.
The most widely accepted story credits Neil Fletcher, who introduced the first “Corny Dog” at the Texas State Fair in 1942.
Another claim suggests that Carl and Neil Fletcher both developed the idea separately.
Regardless of who came up with it first, the corndog quickly became a carnival classic.
History of the Holiday
The delicious day started in 1992, thanks to two college friends, Henry Otley and Mike Nakamura.
The duo wanted to combine their love of corndogs with basketball season, so they hosted a corndog feast while watching March Madness.
The tradition grew, and soon, people nationwide were joining in on the fun.
Thanks to the internet and social media, the wacky holiday has become a widely recognized celebration, with restaurants and corndog vendors offering special promotions each year.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- Corn Dogs Almost Didn’t Exist – Before the deep fryer became popular, some early versions of corndogs were simply baked hot dogs wrapped in cornbread. Thankfully, frying became the preferred method, creating the crispy, golden delight we know today.
- It’s a March Madness Snack – National Corn Dog Day was created specifically to be enjoyed during college basketball season, making it an unofficial sports-watching staple.
- Corndogs Have a Global Appeal – While corndogs are a U.S. classic, variations exist worldwide, including Japan’s “American Dog”, Korea’s cheese-stuffed corn dogs, and Australia’s Dagwood Dog.
- The Longest Corndog Ever Made Was Over 9 Feet – A state fair in Minnesota once created a record-breaking 9-foot-long corndog, proving that everything really is bigger at the fair!
- People Eat Thousands During the Texas State Fair – The Texas State Fair sells over 500,000 corndogs each year, making it one of the most consumed fair foods in the country.
Activities to Celebrate the Holiday
- Host a corndog party – Invite friends and family for a corndog feast!
- Make homemade corndogs – Try frying your own or making baked alternatives.
- Explore corndog-inspired recipes – Think corndog casseroles, corndog pizza, or mini corndog muffins.
- Visit a fair or carnival – If you’re lucky enough to have one nearby, indulge in a fresh corndog from a food stand.
- Join a corndog eating contest – Some local restaurants and events host eating competitions in honor of the day.
Related Recipes
Whether you prefer a classic corndog or a fun twist on this favorite, these recipes offer something for everyone to enjoy on National Corn Dog Day.
- Easy Homemade Corn Dogs – A classic recipe that recreates the county fair favorite at home.
- Mini Corn Dog Muffins – Bite-sized corndog muffins that are perfect for parties or snacks.
- Korean Corn Dogs – A crispy, cheesy variation with a sweet and savory batter.
- Corn Dog Casserole – A hearty baked dish that combines all the flavors of a corndog.
- Air Fryer Corn Dogs – A quick and easy way to make crispy corndogs without deep frying.
- Gluten-Free Corn Dogs – A delicious alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
- Cowboy Corn Dogs – A spicy twist that includes jalapeños for an extra kick.
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Links to Resources
If you’re looking to make the most of the weird holiday, these resources will help you cook, serve, and enjoy them with ease!
- Corn Dog Maker – Easily make homemade corndogs in minutes with this compact appliance.
- Deep Fryer with Basket – Perfect for frying corndogs to crispy perfection at home.
- Bamboo Corn Dog Sticks – Great for making corndogs at home or serving them at parties.
Related Holidays
- National Hot Dog Day (July 19)
- National French Fry Day (July 13)
- National Fast Food Day (July 21)
- National Salami Day (September 7)
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