Labor Day in Millbrook brought more than grilling and family gatherings — it featured the first-ever Uncle Bob’s All-American Hot Dog Eating Contest at the 17 Springs recreation complex.

The competition, held on Monday, September 1, challenged contestants to eat as many hot dogs as possible within 10 minutes. At the buzzer, two challengers had downed 13 each, forcing the title to be decided by a single bite. Prattville resident J.D. Miller edged ahead to take the win, according to Elmore Autauga News.

Miller, originally from Canton, Ohio, earned a $500 cash prize and a championship belt for his victory. It was the first food-eating contest he had ever entered. Following the competition, he said the toughest part was maintaining his pace. “Just trying to keep going until the end,” he explained, as WAKA reported.

The contest also carried a sense of history. Event organizer Robert Harmon noted that his father once staged a hot dog-eating competition decades ago at a Millbrook restaurant called the Dog House. Monday’s event was a way to revive that tradition while bringing something new to the community.

Organizers said the contest is expected to become an annual feature at 17 Springs, one of Millbrook’s most popular recreation and sports venues. With cash prizes, family-friendly competition, and plenty of local flavor, they hope the event will return each Labor Day to draw larger crowds from across the River Region.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].