Fall River hot dog contest, Knead doughnuts, July 4th specials: Fall River Eats

The weekend is upon us, do you know what you're eating?

Fall River Eats brings you a weekly roundup of new menu items, food events, and specials popping up all over the area.

This week, there's a new local market making it's debut though its fare is likely familiar to most in the Swansea area. Also, residents of Fall River are being called upon to take part in yet another tasty food challenge.

With Fourth of July just around the corner, there's also tons of events jam-packed with music, fun and, of course, food to look forward to.

Here’s a quick look at what’s being served up across the SouthCoast this week:

Cast your vote for best Fall River hot dog joint

The city is home to a number of hot dog joints — some Fall River institutions — making it a challenge to pick just one favorite. But that's just what the city of Fall River has called on its local foodies to do. As part of its Fall River Hot Dog Home Run contest, Viva Fall River wants you to weigh in on which Spindle City hot dog spot hits it out of the park. The bracket-style competition kicks off Sunday, June 30, and runs through Sunday, July 21. It starts with a total of 10 restaurants — a mix of familiar Coney Island icons to diners to those serving up their own unique take on franks. Each week diners will vote and whittle that field down until there are two top eateries going head to head in the World Series the week of July 14. The deadline to make your first-round picks and decide who advances to the Playoffs is July 6. Click here to check out the lineup and place your vote: https://bit.ly/FRHOTDOG1. The hot dog champion will be announced on National Hot Dog Day, July 21.

Get your Knead fix at Society

When you've got a need for Knead, you no longer have to trek over the Washington Bridge to get in on the deliciousness the popular Providence gourmet doughnut shop has to offer. Starting Friday, Knead Doughnuts will be available at Society Coffee Bar in Somerset. Because, as the County Street cafe points out in their Facebook teaser of their exciting menu addition, what's a coffee shop without donuts?

Fireworks, parades, parties: Celebrate 4th of July in Fall River, around the SouthCoast

Fun, fireworks and food trucks

Celebrate Independence Day in Fall River this coming Thursday with live music, family activities and a smorgasbord of tasty food options at not one, not two, but three different locations along the waterfront. Eight food vendors — Friskie Fries, Blount, Big Dog Eats, Black Dog Donuts, Supa Dupa, No Joke Smoke BBQ, Del’s Lemonade and Cool Licks Ice Cream — will be on at Heritage State Park to feast as you enjoy entertainment by DJ Eric J. At the Sen. Thomas Norton City Pier, see Emily Nawrocki and Get Lucky and get your food fix at Green Jar Cocina, Bun Buds, Pop’s Brick Oven Pizza, What’s Up Cupcake, Ice ‘N’ Roll, Berry Sweets, Troy City Brewery and Party with Primo. The Nightlife Orchestra will be at Veterans Memorial Bicentennial Park, along with food trucks from Dorothy Cox, Kona Ice, Gnarly Vine Farms, and BBQ Y Mas. Fall River’s 4th of July festivities kick off at 5 p.m., culminating with the city's much-anticipated fireworks display.

Keep cool on the Fourth of July

Looking for a cool centerpiece for your holiday table? A July 4th ice cream cake from Eskimo King, available in any of their flavors, is the perfect addition to your Independence Day party. Call the Swansea shop at 508-379-0202 to place your order. Eskimo King is located at 29 Market St.

Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at Friendly’s

In honor of its 89th birthday, as well as National Ice Cream Day, Friendly’s will be offering 89-cent single-scoop cones from July 17 to 21, at all locations. Also throughout July, new Fan Club app members will receive $2 Fribbles. For more information, visit friendlysrestaurants.com. Friendly’s has locations in Fall River (135 Mariano Bishop Blvd.), Swansea (748 Grand Army of the Republic Highway), and North Dartmouth (307 State Road).

Familiar faces take reins at Somerset Grille

Daily specials aren't the only things changing at Somerset Grille these days. There's been a changing of hands at the popular family-style restaurant. You can now find longtime customers Steve and Kim Ferrara behind the counter, having recently taken over as owners of the 3015 County St. staple. According to the Somerset Sentinel, they'll be keeping the same familiar breakfast, lunch and dinner menu locals have come to love, and switching things up on the daily specials end. This week's specials have included lobster ravioli ($17.99), Pork and Littlenecks ($14.49), Bourbon turkey tips ($12.99), and balsamic glazed chicken salad ($10.99).

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Hot dogs, gourmet doughnuts, food truck fare on the menu: Fall River Eats