Storms start to move out of Minnesota, continue for western Wisconsin

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Thursday night, Main Street in Luverne will be brimming with folks munching on 15,000 free hot dogs, cheering on wiener dog races and enjoying one another’s company.

The town of about 5,000 nestled along the Rock River in far southwestern Minnesota has been celebrating this quirky little festival for six decades and counting.  

Jane Lanphere, executive director of the Luverne Area Chamber of Commerce, said 

 draws a crowd of locals and visitors from across the region including Omaha, Des Moines and even someone from Atlanta, Ga., last year.

From Minnesota Now

Worthington International Festival

Farmington Dew Days

“It sort of started 62 years ago as a customer appreciation night with some businessmen on Main Street. And back in those days, they were mostly owned by males. They had coffee every day. And so they came up with the idea of something inexpensive and easy to do. So they started handing out hotdogs, and it’s just grown since then,” Lanphere said.

 now runs the festival, but many community organizations participate. For the night, Luverne’s population swells to up to 8,000, according to Lanphere. Folks even plan their class reunions and other gatherings around Hot Dog Nite to ensure they’ll make it to the “iconic Luverne event” for “kids from babies to 103.”

Grand Rapids hosts its first LGBTQ+ Pride festival

Lanphere said she doesn’t recall a single instance of needing law enforcement; everyone is having too good a time for trouble. 

“I think it’s always nice for any small town to think of something that’s completely unique to them. You know, kids that grow up in our community, they’ll always remember Hot Dog Nite,” she said. “You don’t see anything like that too many other places.” 

Cathy Wurzer

Host

Gracie  Stockton

Author

The town of about 5,000 nestled along the Rock River in far southwestern Minnesota has been celebrating this quirky little festival for six decades and counting.

15,000 free hot dogs, wiener dog races and small town charm? That’s Hot Dog Nite in Luverne

Go Deeper.

Like this?