This Quirky And Fun Hot Dog Festival Is Well Worth The Drive From Cleveland

Greater Cleveland is home to some quirky attractions. The Free Stamp, the local medical museum, and even the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum have attracted lovers of the strange and unusual to Cleveland. However, this flair for oddity extends throughout the entire state, as evidenced by this bizarre upcoming food fest that's only 90 minutes away from home:

You may have never considered the origins of the hot dog, but it's a food that is fairly new to the world.

Harry Mozley Stevens was born in Derby, England in 1856. It was around 1880 when Stevens moved to Niles, Ohio and fell in love with baseball. He became involved with the sport and sold concessions at several major stadiums, famously pairing a German sausage with a bun to create the hot dog around 1901.

Niles, Ohio may be best remembered as the birthplace of William McKinley, but the city of 20,000 celebrates its history of hot dogs each year.

Harry Stevens, who died in 1934, never had the opportunity to attend the annual celebration held in his honor; it first began in 2013 and it has become a cherished tradition in the modern community.

Harry Stevens Hot Dog Day will be taking place in Niles this June, and it's an event you won't want to miss.

In late June, thousands gather in this unique community to celebrate the man credited with inventing both the hot dog and the drinking straw. The festivity offers endless fun to attendees, many of whom are enamored by the uniqueness of the event.

A parade, music, and contests provide something for each and every attendee...

Whether you're swinging to the sound of live music or stocking up on fair food, visitors of all ages will find themselves entertained.

...And events like hot dog eating contests will awaken your competitive side.

Thousands of hot dogs are prepared at this event each year, and the most competitive visitors set out to consume an impressive portion of that total. Whether you're competing or watching, the hot dog eating contest is an event that's too fun to miss.

As you probably guessed, food will be plentiful at this event.

Food trucks and vendors will ensure that you're well fed, and options extend beyond hot dogs to offer a variety of additional selections.

Quirky fun will abound throughout Harry Stevens Hot Dog Day.

Are you ready to witness wiener dog races and costume contests? These cute pups are the star of the show at Harry Stevens Hot Dog Day!

During the festivities, you'll likely encounter an array of hot dog-themed fun...

People and pups alike dress as hot dogs, and visitors will also encounter art, food, and incredible culture that emphasizes hot dogs.

...And it's safe to say that you should bring a big appetite along with you.

This unusual festival is located about an hour and a half away from Cleveland, which means you'll want to take it easy on the road trip snacks before you arrive.

If you're ready for an unusual event that's unlike any other, we'll see you out in Niles, Ohio!

You can learn more about this upcoming event on the event Facebook page.

Remember to mark your calendar for Harry Stevens Hot Dog Day!

This is one event that you won't want to miss. There's truly nothing like it!

There's so much to love at this quirky food festival near Cleveland. Do you have a friend or family member that would adore this event? Tag them in the comments!

Did you know that the inventor of the hot dog called Ohio home? You may be surprised that these inventions came from Greater Cleveland.