{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-contest-js","path":"/contests/1048","result":{"data":{"strapiContests":{"name":"The Mother Road Festival Cozy Dog Eating Championship presented by Reisch Charities","sn":1048,"id":"Contests_69cd272682ce4f0002fec580","date":"2026-09-26T17:00:00.000Z","city":"Springfield","logo":{"image":{"url":"https://res.cloudinary.com/dosco0k47/image/upload/v1781613061/Cozy_Dog_Mother_Road_f939949dc3.png","publicURL":null}},"state":"IL","winner":"","summary":"# Buckle Up Eating Fans, Because This Summer, Route 66 is the Road to Glory \nThis September, Major League Eating cruises into Springfield, IL for The Mother Road Festival Cozy Dog Eating Championship presented by Reisch Charities, To celebrate the centennial of The Main Street of America, this year The Mother Road festival is pulling out all the stops. There will be cars; there will be music; there will be nostalgia; and most importantly, there will be Cozy Dogs!\n\nBefore the first bite, let's take a moment to appreciate the road beneath it all. Route 66, America’s legendary “Mother Road,\" has been the backdrop for road trips, diners, and dreamers for a century now. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, it’s a ribbon of nostalgia and grit, where neon signs glow and classic eats define generations. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, there’s no better place to host a brand-new eating championship than right here in the heart of it all.\n\nAnd to compliment that nostalgiac feel, let us present to you the legendary Cozy Dog. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and wrapped around a savory, juicy hot dog core, each bite delivers that perfect crunch followed by a wave of classic Americana flavor. Now imagine the world’s top competitive eaters devouring dozens of them in just 10 minutes. It’s not just a contest, it’s a full-throttle flavor sprint with a $5,000 prize purse on the line and a brand-new world record waiting to be claimed. Expect fireworks on the Isringhausen Main Stage!\n\nWith Reisch Charities, Cozy Dog Drive In, and The Mother Road Festival joining forces with Major League Eating, this is a celebration of community, culture, and culinary chaos at its finest.\n\nSo the question is simple: are you ready to step up to the plate?\n\nSign up now, bring your appetite, and take your shot at competitive eating glory. The clock is ticking, the oil is hot, and history is hungry.\n\n**$5,000 TOTAL PRIZE PURSE!**<br>\n1st $2,500<br>\n2nd $1,250<br>\n3rd $600<br>\n4th $400<br>\n5th $175<br>\n6th $75<br>\n\n**This contest will take place at 1:00pm CT on Saturday, September 26th, 2026, on the Isringhausen Stage at the Mother Road Festival in downtown Springfield, IL!**\n\n**About Reisch Charities**<br>\nReisch Beer was originally established in Springfield, Illinois in 1849. The business operated under different variations of the Reisch name for over 100 years, closing its doors for good in 1966. Reisch Charities, a not-for-profit 501 C3 organization, was created 53 years later in order to make Reisch Beer again using the original krausened lager recipe. Today’s version was crafted by Brewmasters of the fifth and sixth generations of the Reisch Family. Their goal: to help local charities and to commemorate the 100th birthday of their father/grandfather Edward L. Reisch of the fourth generation, the last Reisch Brewmaster. One Hundred Percent (100%) of the profits will go to support charities in Springfield, Illinois. For more information, to find out where to purchase, and to contribute, please visit [https://reischcharities.org](https://reischcharities.org) and follow them on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/reischcharities)<br>\n \n**About The Mother Road Festival**<br>\nThe cars, the music, the fun and nostalgia that Route 66 has brought to generations will return for a 25th year, rolling into historic downtown Springfield September 25-27. We also have several extra surprises this year as we celebrate 100 years of Route 66! The show is locally managed by Greg “Coop” and Sue Cooper, with operations headed by Shane “Shaner” McDermith. Keeping the show local and focused on a community feel with much of the tradition that the Mother Road Festival has become known for, is top priority in 2026. Check out [route66fest.com](https://route66fest.com) for more information and follow them on [Facebook here](https://www.facebook.com/188740441162979).\n\n**About Cozy Dog Drive In**<br>\nAfter the Cozy Dogs were launched at the Lake Springfield Beach House in 1946, Cozy Dogs were introduced at the Illinois State Fair the same year.  The first Cozy Dog House was located on South Grand between Fifth and Sixth Street in Springfield.  A second Cozy Dog House was located at Ash & MacArthur.  In 1949, Drive In was born; built on “Route 66” South Sixth Street.  In 1996 Cozy Dog moved to its current location, where the former Abe Lincoln Motel stood. Today, Josh Waldmire (3rd Generation, Ed's Grandson) continues the tradition of serving the delicious dogs on stick. Check out the Cozy Dog story at [cozydogdrivein.com](https://www.cozydogdrivein.com) and follow them on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/p/Cozy-Dog-Drive-In-100041322349861/).\n\n\n---\n**For news and results to all Major League Eating contests, like our [FaceBook Page](https://www.facebook.com/eatfast) and follow @eatingcontest on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/eatingcontest/) & [X](https://x.com/eatingcontest)**\n\n*All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and fully acknowledge and understand the inherent dangers and risks associated with participating in an eating contest. The applicant further acknowledges and understands that the MLE/IFOCE coordinates with event sponsor(s) to select and approve eligible participants, and that the MLE/IFOCE shall decide, at its sole discretion, whether an applicant is eligible to participate in any eating event, and/or related activities. The MLE/IFOCE may revoke an applicant's eligibility to participate in the eating contest, or related activities, at any time, for any reason, at its sole discretion. The MLE/IFOCE and the event sponsors reserve the right, at any time, to change any and all details concerning the event, including, e.g., time, duration, location and prize structure.","registrationOpens":null,"forceRegistrationClosed":false,"forceRegistrationOpen":true}},"pageContext":{"id":"Contests_69cd272682ce4f0002fec580"}}}