The sizzle of summer and the hum of tattoo machines come together once again.

The Fourth Annual Red Quill Tattoo (Instagram.com/RedQuillTattoo) National Hot Dog Day Flash Event, presented by Holy Roller Tattoos (Instagram.com/HolyRollerTattoos), was held Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and it was more than just a celebration of America’s favorite snack.

Held in the historic Creamery Building, this one-of-a-kind event blended art, food and community spirit—all for a good cause. All proceeds from the event were donated directly to Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, an organization that provides meals and vital support to individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.

This beloved tradition was founded by Matthew Luettger, the artist behind Holy Roller Tattoos, who saw a unique opportunity to turn a quirky national holiday into a meaningful act of service.

“Having been allowed to serve those in our community who are the most vulnerable, in conjunction with Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, I have been blessed to see the help and care they give to those who walk through their doors every day to receive nourishment,” Luettger said. “But the hot dog is more than just nourishment; it is the food of celebration.”

To Luettger, the humble hot dog represents a symbol of American culture, history and unity.

“National Hot Dog Day celebrates the food that provides flavor to celebrations across the country,” Luettger said. “It’s a truly unique, all-American creation, invented initially by immigrants in New York for hard-working Americans at an affordable price.”

As the hot dog gained popularity and traveled from coast to coast, it picked up new flavors, regional flair and stories, much like tattoos themselves, which carry personal meaning and local pride.

All six artists at Red Quill participated in tattooing during the day. Also in the Creamery Building, Mana Games (Mana-Games.com) and Ivanna Cone (IvannaCone.com) participated in the festivities. Mana Games served hot dogs with unique flavor profiles that change each year. Ivanna Cone served a maple and beef tallow ice cream with a pickled blueberry relish, topped with pork cracklin’ dust.

This year, 1867 Bar (Instagram.com/1867Bar) participated in National Hot Dog Day by hosting “Glizzfest.” Local bands Mindrott, Fascinus Rex, Face and Phuzz performed at 1867 after a full day of tattooing.

“We also started hosting a raffle last year, offering some great prizes,” Luettger said. The fun didn’t stop there. Red Quill Tattoo also crowned Miss Hot Dog Nebraska 2025 on Instagram.

“We even had a piñata this year,” Luettger said. “Eat a hot dog, play a game, buy a raffle ticket, get a tattoo, donate, and then enjoy some local music.”