AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) -- Austinites and other Texans are invited to help eat 1500 veggie dogs and 14 gallons of vegan ice cream today at the 2nd annual Veggie Dog Eating Contest which is being held at Scholz Garden at 1607 San Jacinto from 1 to 4 p.m. The annual Veggie Dog Eating Contest was created by IloveMikeLitt, a local social group that puts together various artistic and cultural events, after a random conversation with The Hot Dog King, a local vendor who sells hot dogs on Red River Street. Individuals can compete as solo competitors or as part of teams of two in the doubles category. Prizes from local businesses and national vegetarian-friendly companies will be awarded to the teams and persons eating the most veggie dogs in 12 minutes. A $5 cover includes a free Smart Dogs veggie dog and all-you-can eat NadaMoo ice cream until supplies run out. The event this year is being co-hosted by Deb O'Keefe from the MorningX on FM 101.5, and Chris Trew, co-founder of ColdTowne Theater. Deb and Chris are both vegetarians and are eager to join in. Other special guests include the local "plant-powered" firefighters and Laurel Elm, a life-long 9 year old vegan. Contestants this year include last year's solo competitor champion, Colin "the Tim Duncan of competitive eating" Kalmbacher. Colin, a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and vegan for six years says, "What is more Austin than a bunch of vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores, all alongside each other, gorging themselves on hundreds of soy dogs for the sheer insanity of it?" For more information go to
www.ilovemikelitt.com. 
