Florence enjoys Hot Dog Block Party

FLORENCE - Mobile Plaza was the spot to relish in an annual celebration of a beloved food.

Wildwood Tavern and Shoals MTB hosted the National Hot Dog Day Block Party on Wednesday night, with a large, festive crowd joining in the event.

"We were really happy with the turnout," Wildwood owner Tyler Ross said. "I think everbody had a great time. We also had tons of weiner dogs there. That made it really cool. It made for a bunch of good photographs and good times."

Some people - and dogs - also came out of the event with trophies. Lucas Johnson gobbled down nine hot dogs in 5 minutes to win the hot dog eating contest. Tonya Sweetwood's 6-month-old dachshund, Lexi, won the weiner dog race, and Catherine Bodley's dachshund, Piper, won the costume award.