Time to chow down: Oxford Diner is hosting a spin off its traditional "Terminator" ice cream challenge Saturday, only this time with hot dogs.
The diner-located off of U.S. Route 27 next to the Marathon gas station-will host its annual hot dog eating contest at 6 p.m. Nov. 17.
This is the second year the restaurant has hosted what quickly became its biggest event, explained Kim Swafford, co-owner of Oxford Diner. Swafford said this year about 30 Miami University students have signed up for the dog-eating challenge, with about five to 10 local residents.
Dick Swafford, co-owner and Kim's husband, said he is hopeful for a good turnout this year. He said a lot of people signed up for last year's challenge but only five people showed.
He said this year they will be calling all who signed up to remind them of the time and confirm they will be there.
"I'm thinking (the competition) will turn out pretty good this time," he said. "A lot of last year's participants are signed up to compete again this year."
Ashley Vanwinkle, server at the Oxford Diner, agrees, saying she believes there will be a good turnout at the event.
Last year the participants had 20 minutes to eat as many hot dogs-including buns-as possible.
Howard Miller was last year's winner, according to Dick Swafford. Miller, a junior last year at Miami, ate 11 hot dogs in 20 minutes. And participants beware-Dick Swafford said Miller is signed up again this year.
Miller-now a senior-said it is a "personal goal" to win again this year.
"I figured I would be the first person to win in two years," he said.
Yet Miller said he has not been training, as he did not train last year.
"I figured I would stick with the same game plan," he said.
Last year, Miller won a T-shirt and a free meal once a week at the diner-which he said he used almost every week.
The winner this year will receive a similar prize: a T-shirt proclaiming them the "2nd Weiner-Eating King" and free breakfast every Sunday for the rest of the school year, Kim Swafford said.
She said that anyone can sign up for the contest and there is no entrance fee.
The contest was Kim Swafford's idea, as she thought it would be something fun for the students to do.
"I like to mix things up a bit and try to do the stuff that makes us not your typical diner," she said. "We love appealing to the students."
She said that she also hosts other events, like live bluegrass music once a month, at the diner.
The "Terminator" is the ice cream eating challenge that the diner started a few years ago before they opened their doors. The "Terminator" is a gigantic ice cream sundae made with a gallon of ice cream, chocolate syrup, a can of whipped cream and plenty of cherries.
This is an on-going challenge that any customer can participate in if they are up to the feat. Those who eat the whole sundae get their picture taken and placed on the "Terminator Hall of Fame Wall."
Dick Swafford said many customers have tried to eat the whole thing but often have trouble finishing.
- Reporting contributed by Stacey Skotzko.
