Heart of America Hot Dog Festival Returns in August
Published on June 8, 2023 under American Association (AA)
Kansas City Monarchs News Release
Kansas City, MO - The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) is set to get things "Grillin' and Groovin'" again at Historic 18th & Vine when it plays host to the 2023 Heart of America Hot Dog Festival, presented by Hy-Vee with support from the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund (NTDF) and the State of Missouri. The festival will be held from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sat., August 5th at the NLBM (1616 E. 18th Street, KCMO). The festival music stage will be located on the median of The Paseo between 18th Street and Truman Road.
The Hot Dog Festival returned last year in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Created by the NLBM in 2013, the family festival celebrates the historical connection between our national pastime and baseball fan's favorite ballpark food: the hot dog. Since 2019 festival attracted several thousand people to Historic 18th & Vine.
The return of the festival is highlighted by the introduction of a new specialty hot dog inspired by NLBM founder, Buck O'Neil. The latest creation, called "The Memphis Red Sox," Highlighting Buck's career beginning in Memphis in 1937. Buck established the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City in 1990 and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022.
The "Memphis Red Sox" joins a delectable roster of signature hot dogs created by the NLBM and Hy-Vee that includes "The Monarch," "The El Maestro," "The Royal Frank," "The Bullet Joe" and "The Campy." The new Memphis Red Sox features a grilled all-beef hot dog on a bun. It's topped with bacon, shredded Vermont yellow cheese, chopped green onions, and scallions.
Festival goers can also build their own hot dog creations at the massive toppings station which features an assortment of spreads and other garnishes. In addition, the family festival features other ballpark foods, games, and access to tour the NLBM.
"We're thrilled to continue our annual celebration of baseball and hot dog," said Bob Kendrick, NLBM President. "While ballpark foods have become more sophisticated over recent years, baseball fans still relish the hot dog. The Heart of America Hot Dog Festival unites fans around that common bond in a fun and entertaining celebration that since its inception has grown to become one of the most highly anticipated festivals in Kansas City," Kendrick said.
The festival gates open at 3 pm with live band performances beginning at 3:30 pm. Special advance General Admission tickets cost only $35 (through Saturday, July 15); $50 at the Gate for adults and $10 for kids. A limited number of VIP tickets are available and cost $125 (includes prime seating, festival t-shirt, and two complimentary cocktails and complimentary hot dogs.
Call (816) 221-1920 or visit www.nlbm.com for package details and for more information.
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