Reeves to Coney for the Fourth

The top eaters from the region and beyond had gathered for the eating contest, but the heat was greatest challenge in the Newnan, GA, Nathan's Famous qualifier, suppressing numbers and forcing some eaters to push back from the table. Jim Reeves of Buffalo stuck with it despite the difficulty and downed 22 HDBs in 10 minutes to win.

Allan Goldstein, visibly affected by the 90-degree heat, place second with 20, and multiple eaters, including Damien Boynkin and Rick Petralia, ate 11 for a third-place tie.

The event took place amid a bustling retail fair at Junction Lanes and was aired live on 92.5 The Bear, Georgia's top country station.