Video: Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2011

Professional food consumer Joey Chestnut claimed the hot dog eating crown for the fifth straight year after stuffing his face with 62 franks at the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Meanwhile, over at the newly christened Women’s Table, power-eater Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas took home the inaugural pink Pepto Bismol belt by shoving 40 hot dogs down her gullet in 10 minutes.

We all know July 4 requires fireworks. But in Coney Island, you can't celebrate the holiday without hot dogs -- and lots of 'em.