I don't thrill to it, but I've seen people use squeeze cheese on hotdogs (chili cheese dogs). Some people put pickle wedges on them here in STL. And in Chicago (where I grew up), we put on tomato wedges and sprinkled them with celery salt. We also had hot peppers, but they weren't jalapenos; they are sport peppers. My ideal Chicago-style hot dog from our local corner stand - mustard (yellow, not brown), white onions, sport peppers, tomatos with celery salt, salt, pepper, steamed bun.
I like the sundae bar idea too (we've often done taco bars as well), but be careful with teens and canned whipped cream that you spray out - that can get out of hand fast! (It did here at work last week for the 'fall festival' and that was adults! LOL)
And if you're doing marshmallows, how about graham crackers and Hershey bars?
Kids at this age don't really need much structure -- they enjoy themselves just socializing and being together. So I agree you don't need much games. Maybe though some decks of cards or some trivia games should be handy if the action lulls a bit.
As for hot dog toppings, someone already mentioned the sliced, pickled hot peppers which would have been my addition to the list. The other thing I would add would be mexican type salsa (medium or hot) as it is great on hot dogs.
I don't know where you live or what the cultures of the kids are but have you provided for dietary restrictions such as veggie dogs or all beef dogs for those that don't eat pork? Also ensure the hot dog buns are plain ie avoid the seeds because lots of people have sensitivities to those things.
You don't mention music but I presume there will be a portable stereo handy to play some "tunes" and some mixed CD's ready with music for fun and dancing!
I know someone's already mentioned chili--my canned favorite is regular Wolf Brand w/o beans. They may also make one that specifies "hot dog chili" but I don't care for it. We like grated cheese on ours also and sometimes sliced jalapenos.
You might want to make sure there is plenty of room for them to dance, if they care to.
I like the idea of a hot dog bar! How about adding chili (you can even buy the canned version - get the one without beans). Another
I don't thrill to it, but I've seen people use squeeze cheese on hotdogs (chili cheese dogs). Some people put pickle wedges on them here in STL. And in Chicago (where I grew up), we put on tomato wedges and sprinkled them with celery salt. We also had hot peppers, but they weren't jalapenos; they are sport peppers. My ideal Chicago-style hot dog from our local corner stand - mustard (yellow, not brown), white onions, sport peppers, tomatos with celery salt, salt, pepper, steamed bun.
I like the sundae bar idea too (we've often done taco bars as well), but be careful with teens and canned whipped cream that you spray out - that can get out of hand fast! (It did here at work last week for the 'fall festival' and that was adults! LOL)
And if you're doing marshmallows, how about graham crackers and Hershey bars?
Sue
Edited 11/3/2006 12:00 pm ET by suzyk2118
Kids at this age don't really need much structure -- they enjoy themselves just socializing and being together. So I agree you don't need much games. Maybe though some decks of cards or some trivia games should be handy if the action lulls a bit.
As for hot dog toppings, someone already mentioned the sliced, pickled hot peppers which would have been my addition to the list. The other thing I would add would be mexican type salsa (medium or hot) as it is great on hot dogs.
I don't know where you live or what the cultures of the kids are but have you provided for dietary restrictions such as veggie dogs or all beef dogs for those that don't eat pork? Also ensure the hot dog buns are plain ie avoid the seeds because lots of people have sensitivities to those things.
You don't mention music but I presume there will be a portable stereo handy to play some "tunes" and some mixed CD's ready with music for fun and dancing!
I know someone's already mentioned chili--my canned favorite is regular Wolf Brand w/o beans. They may also make one that specifies "hot dog chili" but I don't care for it. We like grated cheese on ours also and sometimes sliced jalapenos.
You might want to make sure there is plenty of room for them to dance, if they care to.
Good luck! You're a braver woman than me!! LOL