How Are Hot Dogs Made? Find Out... If You Dare [VIDEO]

DETROIT (WWJ) - As Americans prepare to eat more than 150 million hot dogs this Independence Day, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) will answer the most common hot dog question: How are hot dogs really made?

"Stories about how hot dogs are made are legendary," Janet Riley -- NHDSC president and so-called "Queen of Wien" -- said in a statement. "At the risk of destroying the mystique surrounding hot making, our new video will show that the actual process is much simpler, and possibly less exciting, than the rumors that have existed for decades."

The video takes you on a tour of a hot dog plant, showing the entire process from start to finish -- and what you see might just surprise you.

Riley said Americans won't just be consuming record numbers of hot dogs on the 4th, but throughout July, which has been deemed National Hot Dog Month.

"Hot dogs are an essential part of American culture, and what better month to honor them than July," Riley said. "We are right in the middle of grilling season and baseball season—both times when American families love to enjoy their favorite picnic treat."

To celebrate the month, the NHDSC is holding a "hot dog selfie" contest. The most creative photo, chosen by fans of the NHDSC Facebook page, will win an Airhead Double Dog ride-on inflatable -- plus a $100 gift card for his or her favorite hot dogs. Entries must be received by noon on July 14. Finalists will be posted on Facebook on July 15 for fans to choose their favorite.  For more information on the contest, visit www.hot-dog.org.