Not Even Coronavirus Can Stop Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

NEW YORK CITY — Times of crisis point a mirror at society and show us the things that really matter. Among them, apparently, are hot dog eating contests.

Nathan's Famous will hold its annual Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest on Coney Island this year, the company announced.

But the novel coronavirus pandemic means the competitive diners will stuff themselves without a crowd to cheer them on, and not on the event's usual corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues, according to reports.

Only five competitors will join the 10-minute men’s and women’s contests, among them reigning champions Joey Chestnut and Miki Sudo. the Wall Street Journal reports.

New Yorkers and hot dog aficionados can binge watch (get it?) the event — the first of which was held in Coney Island on July 4, 1916 — on ESPN at noon.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday New York City will also celebrate July 4 with a Macy's fireworks display.

He refused to share plans about how the city will avoid crowding and protect New Yorkers from COVID-19's spread.

"We're perfecting that plan but we'll be releasing it shortly," de Blasio said. "I think they've come up with a smart plan that fits the moment."