If you drove through Berrien Springs on Labor Day, you might have spotted a handmade wooden sign reading, “Free Hotdog Happy Labor Day!” The simple message carries a big impact on the small town. Drawn by curiosity, some stop for the food, others for the fellowship. Soon, the corner buzzes with laughter, conversations, and neighbors, some that are familiar, others new, but all coming together over a free hot dog.
The man behind it all is Zach Fedoruk. What started six years ago as a fun idea has now become a Labor Day tradition for many locals, with neighbors gathering in his driveway, on the corner of Kephart Lane and St. Joseph Avenue, under a small white pop-up tent.
“I started off feeding the construction workers and those that had to work on Labor Day,” Fedoruk said. “In my opinion, nobody should have to work on Labor Day, but somebody’s got to do it. So if they’re out working, here’s an easy, free meal for them, or at least a snack. It’s just a nice way to give back.”
That simple act has grown year after year. Some years, the event takes on the feel of a potluck, with neighbors bringing dishes to share. Other times, it’s just hot dogs, water, and community. Either way, Zach says the heart of it remains the same. “It doesn’t have to be about the food. It’s about the people, and it’s about giving back. Some just grab a hot dog and go, others stay and talk. It doesn’t matter, but everyone’s welcome.”
The event has attracted more than hungry stomachs. Curious kids ride up on scooters, giggling over hot dog–themed jokes. Neighbors who might not otherwise meet linger to chat. Construction workers stop by for a quick bite before heading back to the job site. Local law enforcement and emergency workers pause to offer handshakes and support. For Roxie Elliott, who stopped with her mom, Marta Elliott, the spirit of the event stood out as much as the food. “We need more of this in the world,” Marta said. “How sweet that he would care enough about his community just to open his heart next to his garage for some free hot dogs.”
For Fedoruk, the drive to keep this tradition going comes from family. “My mom and dad always gave back to the community in different ways,” he said. “This is my own little way of continuing that legacy. I like throwing events, I like having people at my house, and this is just another way to do it.”
The generosity hasn’t gone unnoticed. This year, Berrien Township Trustee Cynthia Layman stopped by to thank Zach. “He has a big heart,” she said. “He inspires a lot of people in town, the kids especially. He serves on the Village Board, and we need more like him in our community.”
By the end of the afternoon, Zach had given away nearly 100 hot dogs, a few laughs, and plenty of smiles. “This is family,” he explained. Zach wants those who may not have friends or family to spend the holiday with to know, “you are part of a bigger family, part of a bigger community. All are welcome here, whether you just want to grab a hot dog and go or stay and be part of it. Either way, you belong.”
In a world where holidays often come and go in a blur of errands or obligations, Fedoruk’s hotdog stand offers something different. It offers a pause. A reminder that community is built on simple acts like cooking a hot dog and handing it to a stranger with a smile.
For six years, Zach Fedoruk’s hotdog giveaway has become a Labor Day tradition in Berrien Springs. What started as a small idea during the pandemic has grown into a full community gathering in Zach's driveway under a white pop-up tent. “I hope this continues, even if I’m not the one doing it someday,” Zach said. “It’s about bringing people together and sharing a little kindness. It’s bigger than me.”
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