PETA distributes vegan wieners outside Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest

Joey Chestnut was not the only big name back in Coney Island for the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest The People for Ethical Remedy of Animals PETA made their presence known outside the Coney Island staple on Friday before Chestnut took the stage Members of the organization distributed vegan hot dogs to people along the boardwalk all while hundreds of Nathan's franks were being prepped for the competitive eaters CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS COMPrior to the event PETA declared to Fox News Digital that Tommy Tofu and his PETA pals will be right there at Nathan s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest distributing hundreds of tasty vegan hot dogs as they challenge hungry spectators to enjoy a free flavorful Fourth that is also animal-friendly Vegan hot dogs are delicious and kind and who really wants to endorsement slaughterhouses -- the word is enough -- by buying what comes out of them PETA executive Tracy Reiman announced in a message PETA encourages everyone to let freedom ring for all by leaving animals in peace this Fourth of July and beyond JOEY CHESTNUT RECLAIMS HOT DOG EATING CONTEST TITLE AFTER LAST YEAR'S ABSENCE BY DOWNING FRANKSChestnut returned to the competition after missing last year due to partnering with a plant-based brand Impossible Foods He looked almost as good as ever downing dogs and buns in the -minute span It was his th achievement in his last tries he lost to Matt Stonie in and it was the seventh time he eclipsed the -wiener mark The PETA presence did not compare to the protester that Chestnut put in a headlock back in but it's yet another appearance from the animal activist group Last year PETA planned to bombard the competition's spectators and brought a truck to encourage fans to go vegan Follow Fox News Digital s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter