The brain child of John Mandt, Jr. of Stewarts Original Hot Dogs, John came to Clear Channel Media + Entertainment's VP/MM, Judy Jennings, and Sr. AE, Kym York-Blake to develop, build, promote, manage and execute this annual festival. The last Saturday in July was chosen for each year's WV Hot Dog Festival (July is National Hot Dog Month). The co-founders wanted a charity that would benefit children in our own Tri-State region of WV/KY/OH.

On Saturday, July 30th, 2005, the WV Hot Dog Festival was born.  The festival raised $8000 the first year for the kids.

With the valuable help of business sponsors, contest participants, volunteers, and festival-goers, the annual WV Hot Dog Festival has raised well over $100,000, all used to help children in treatment for cancer and other life-threatening illness in partnership with Cabell Huntington Hospital's Children's Hospital pediatric oncology unit.