A Danbury native is heading to Coney Island for the Fourth of July. Jerome Burns will compete in the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest after qualifying by eating 23 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Burns, who is rather new to competitive eating, started tackling food challenges earlier this year, including a six-pound burrito and a 14-scoop ice cream sundae. Burns says he has gained new respect for the sport, calling it surprisingly demanding. The contest will air Friday on ESPN2.