The Luverne Area Chamber and local leaders are finding ways to continue summer celebrations amid pandemic precautions.
Luverne will observe its iconic Hot Dog Night July 13 through 18 with social distancing modifications.
For example, people are encouraged to order hot dog meals from local restaurants during the week as a way to win gift cards to the participating restaurants.
They include Bluestem Catering, Howling Dog Saloon, JJ’s Tasty Drive In, Sterling’s Café and Grill, Vinnie’s Dang Fine Dine and Wildflowers Coffee Boutique.
The more hot dogs, the more chances to win $10 gift cards.
Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere said she couldn’t remember a summer without the event and felt compelled to keep the tradition going in some small way.
“Hot Dog Night is Hot Dog Night. I have had probably between 50 and 60 calls at the Chamber over the last week and a half to find out if we were having it,” she said. “Most of the calls (80 to 90 percent) were from out of town.”
So, she and a group of organizers worked out a plan.
The Wiener Dog Races are canceled, but the Wiener Dog Beauty Contest is still on — virtually. People are encouraged to dress up their dogs and message photos on July 15 to the Luverne Chamber through its Facebook page. Winners, to be announced July 16, will receive $50 gift cards to Rock Veterinary Clinic.
Similarly, hot dogs will be consumed virtually. Individuals or families are encouraged to send photographs of themselves eating hot dogs to the Chamber on July 16 for chances to win one of four $50 picnic grill packs. Winners will be announced July 17.
On July 16 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. children are invited to the Luverne City Park for a socially distanced “Hot Diggity Dog” 15-step challenge course. Those who complete the course receive a ribbon and free snow cone.
The 10th Annual Wienerman World Championship will continue as planned with some pandemic precautions.
This year’s four-person triathlon race is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Friday, July 17, at The Lake. Each leg — running, kayaking, and biking — includes a hot dog eating challenge.
Lanphere said plans came together just in the past couple of weeks for a “socially distanced twist” on the 58th annual Hot Dog “week” celebration.
“We just got all the pieces together for the events,” she said Monday. “It took a while to get everyone on the same page.”
See the Chamber’s website, luvernechamber.com for details, or call 507-283-4061.