I love the Fourth of July in NYC. It's so great to stay in town and chill when everyone else is away traveling. Always a great time for parties and adventures. This one certainly didn't disappoint.

If you remember, last year, my sister and I dragged our hungover asses down to Coney Island to watch Joey Chestnut bring the Mustard Belt back to America. Though it was awesome just to be there, we were sadly a gazillion (scientifically speaking) miles away from the stage. I vowed to one day make it within' "reversal" distance of my personal heroes...

AND this year I made it happen. I rocked a few connections through work, and VOILA- VIP passes! Yes, folks, if you were watching on ESPN, I was that speck in the red dress standing front and center in the crowd Friday morning.

And now, a dream come true in pictures:



The pre-show included a performance by the US Trampoline Champion...



...which scared the crap out of me. Especially when they strapped on wake boards. Who thinks of these things??



And then the eaters were brought out... Aren't Pat Bertoletti and Sonya Thomas adorable?



I was actually standing with Patrick's family. I thought I heard the girl next to me say she was his sister, so I asked her if that was the case. Her response? "Sister-in-LAW. Not by blood, thank GOD." Yeesh. If I were Pat's sister I'd be super excited to claim him as my own.

Aww. Kobayashi and Sonya like each other.



A smiley "Black Widow" with a smiley hot dog.



And now, one of the best moments of my life.



Kobayashi actually looked directly at me and gave me a thumbs up. I'm totally blowing it up and putting it on my wall.

Kobayashi checks out the Mustard Belt.



"Kobayashi eats chestnuts for breakfast"



(notice the eye contact again)

Pat gets into the zone before the contest.



This man proposed at the contest. Brilliant.



Juliet Lee was named rookie of the year. Sorry, Dr. Bigtime.



And, of course, Badlands Booker rapped as usual.



Erica and I couldn't wait for the eating to begin.



The eaters not only choose their dipping beverage, but they bring it with them and pour it themselves. Joey Chestnut had warm water- it was steaming. The popular red Kool Aid choice made for some nasty spew.



***WARNING***
The following pictures are not for those with weak stomachs. HOWEVER, if you are brave, click for the enlarged images and be amazed and astounded.





















Regulation ended in a tie of 59 hot dogs. But after the first-ever dog-off, Chestnut was again victorious.

"USA! USA!"



Kobayashi shows off his full belly.









I think I'm still glowing...