National Hot Dog Day 2015 – History, discounts, and where to get free franks [FREEBIES]

By Jose Serrano (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Jul 23, 2015 03:09 PM EDT

Tags hot dogs, national hot dog day, national hot dog day 2015, hot dogs discount, free hot dogs, national hot dog day history

If you haven't as much as whiffed a hot dog this summer, July 23 is the perfect opportunity to savor a plump ballpark frank.

National Hot Dog Day annually lands on the third Wednesday of July, only it was celebrated on a Thursday this year because frankfurter lovers have come to recognize the 23^rd as the official date. According to National Hot Dog & Sausage Council president Janet Riley, it's a tradition that dates back to the 1950s.

"The first National Hot Dog day was established to coincide with a hot dog lunch we sponsor on Capitol Hill every year," Riley said in speaking with Delaware Online. "One year, the event was held on July 23 and now everyone thinks that's the date."

The council states consumers purchased over 837 million hot dog packages each year, and over 21 million are sold solely at baseball stadiums. That's enough to run around a baseball diamond 29,691 times.

While it's not an officially recognized holiday, it's one Americans are more than happy to support. Unfortunately, it lands a few weeks short of National Mustard Day.

Here's a look at establishments either discounting or giving away free wieners on Thursday.

7-11

Visit any 7-11 nationwide on the 23^rd and receive a free all-beef quarter-pound big-bite hot dog for $1. You may have to download the free 7-11 app to get the discount.

Pilot Flying J travel centers

Get a free Oscar Meyer hot dog all day by presenting a coupon found on the Pilot Travel Twitter page.

Sonic Drive-In

Enjoy $1 All-American and Chili Cheese Coney's at Sonic all day.

Philly Pretzel Factory

Most of the Philly Pretzel Factory locations across the U.S. can purchase a pretzel dog at 50 percent discount. The first 300 customers will get one free.

Evos

One of the day's healthier options, the southern hot dog chain is offering buy one, get one free deals all week.

RaceTrac

The gas station chain is giving away a free roller-grilled Nathan's Famous hot dog and fresh toppings for anyone presenting a coupon.

Kangaroo Express

Customers in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia will sell hot dogs for .50 cents all day. Those presenting a military I.D. will get them free between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.