HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- It was a true dog day of summer at Pullman Square.

At the West Virginia Hot Dog Festival six food lovers chowed down, including last year's hot dog eating contest champ.

He had no luck defending last year's title though.

A walk-on contestant took this year's prize at Pullman Square.

C.J. Smith, the new reigning hot dog king, says he was just in the right place with an empty stomach.

"I feel a little rough right now,” Smith said after winning. “Other than that I feel great. I'm glad I did it. This was a last minute thing. I had just gotten here. My dad said 'Come on, I signed you up.' I came over here, and I can thank Stewart's. They saved me from buying hot dogs, so I saved some money that way."

Smith won free Stewart’s hot dogs for a year.

Pullman Square wasn't just packed with people for the festival.

Along with the hot dog eating contest they held a dog look-alike contest.

Folks who claimed they look just like their pups lined up for the judges along the red carpet.

With similar hairstyles and matching costumes, the judges had to look closely to choose the best three.

This was the sixth annual West Virginia Hot Dog Festival.