Eaters Open Weekend With Nathan's Hot Dog 'Weigh-In'

(CANVAS STAFF REPORTS) - New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg welcomed competitors of the 2010 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at the official weigh-in ceremony on Firday morning at city hall.

Three-time defending champion Joey Chestnut , along with a host of the world's top Major League Eaters, participated in the weigh-in ceremony.

Absent from the event was Takeru Kobayashi of Japan, who had own the event, before being dethrone by Chestnut.

Last year, Chestnut – the number-one-ranked eater in the world – defeated a field of 18 other eaters from around the world in front of a crowd of 35,000 fans by consuming 68 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.

Some of top eaters at the weigh in included Juliette Lee, "Eater X" Tim Janus and Bob "Notorious B.O.B." Shoudt .

Also as a side attraction three female elephants from Ringling Bros. circus squared off against three male Major League Eaters in the first-ever fully sanctioned cross-gender, cross-species eating contest featuring Nathan's hot dog buns.

Representing the humans were Badlands Booker, Pete "Pretty Boy" Davekos and Crazy Legs Conti.