Hotdog eating – better known as 4th of July American Independence Day celebrations – is happening at King O’Malley’s this Sunday, 3-6pm, so break out the red, white and blue and grab some ketchup.
If it wasn’t for Occupational Health and Safety rules, there would be a hotdog eating competition (like they do on New York’s Coney Island) but instead, pace yourself, eat slowly, and leave room for Twinkies.
The party (247th birthday of the USA) is being thrown by the Australian American Association (Canberra Division) and president Alicia Doherty knows all about 4th July parties because she’s lived in almost every US state.
“I grew up in the military because my father was in the marine corps,” she says in her still-strong southern accent, even though Alicia moved here in ‘94.
“I was born in New Jersey, then moved to Virginia, New Mexico, California, and Texas. I joined the army and went to boot camp in Missouri, then stationed in Alabama. But I’ve lived in Australia longer than I lived in the US. My accent varies, it depends on who I’m speaking to on what comes out.”
Alicia proudly informs me that the Australian-American Memorial that towers 79 metres high at Russell, featuring an American eagle (or bugs bunny, or chicken on a stick) was the result of hard work by the Australian American Association Canberra Division.
“We drove the project to have the Australian American memorial at Russell, we were able to ask [Prime Minister] Menzies to put a call out nationwide for a suitable gift to acknowledge the Americans for their support.”
So, let’s join in the American tradition of hotdog eating (Americans consume approximately 150 million hotdogs every 4th of July). Also, buy a raffle ticket to help raise money for a scholarship to send one lucky Canberran to America. The Australian American Association Canberra Division will provide US$5000 to send a successful applicant to the USA for study or career development.
For more information, visit www.australianamericanact.com
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