For hungry Capitol Hill staffers who frequent Congressional receptions in search of free food, Wednesday is their Super Bowl: The American Meat Institute hosts its annual Hot Dog Lunch in the courtyard of the Rayburn House Office Building.

[IMGCAP(1)]Organizers were expected to serve up more than 4,000 free hot dogs, brats, kielbasas and other sausages to Members, staffers, lobbyists and others starting at about 11 a.m. in the courtyard. Retired Major League Baseball all-stars Vince Coleman, Phil Niekro and Jack Morris also will be on hand to sign autographs for fans.

But it is the dogs themselves that will be the biggest stars. To put it into perspective, if the hot dogs served were laid end-to-end, there would be enough to circle the Capitol Rotunda four times, equal the length of 50 D.C. buses and stretch the entire length of the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall, according to the institute.

“There are few icons more recognized in U.S. culture than the hot dog,— institute President J. Patrick Boyle said. “Year after year, this social event on Capitol Hill, which is one of the most popular of the summer, is a testament to the continuing national — and bipartisan — popularity of hot dogs.—

Any leftover uncooked or pre-packaged food will be donated to the D.C. Central Kitchen.

And for hot dog fans who get hungry after the event, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council also unveiled a new interactive map Wednesday on its Web site that allows users to search for hot dog restaurants nationwide.

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