Where in the World is the Wienermobile?
The four-wheeled weenie is stopping in Pittsburgh on its 90th anniversary tour.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTY GRAVER
On Friday, Aug. 21, the Oscar Mayor Wienermobile is rolling into town to visit relatives.
The world-famous weenie on wheels will stop at Dad’s Dog & Burger in Bloomfield from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To celebrate, the Liberty Avenue eatery is offering specials that include fried b-o-l-o-g-n-a breakfast sandwiches, Oscar Mayer chili dogs and Creamsicle milkshakes.
The 27-foot-long, fiberglass frankfurter will be in Pittsburgh for two weeks as part of its 90th anniversary tour. Throughout my 20-year journalism career, I’ve enviously interviewed half a dozen Wienermobile drivers, who are known as Hotdoggers.
Recruits must cut the mustard at Hot Dog High in Madison, Wis., before they’re given the keys to the giant sausage. Recent graduates Tailgate Taylor and Chili Cheese Charlie will be cruising around the Steel City, passing out Wienerwhistles and leading sing-alongs of the brand’s iconic jingle. You can track the wiener’s whereabouts online.
As a nation, I think we need more food-shaped vehicles. Giant Eagle’s Giant Buggy, which made its debut during the NFL Draft, is a nice addition to the fleet.
National Hot Dog Day was in July, but, as food editor, I relish the tubular food year-round.
Last July 4, I wore a hot dog costume in Zelienople’s Independence Day parade and then double-dog dared myself to don it again during the borough’s Horse Trading Days festival to promote a hot dog-eating contest.
Typically, I can’t stomach watching competitive eaters in action, but the contestants had big personalities to match their appetites. One dude did a little dance to help each hot dog go (get?) down while the eventual winner calmly consumed 30 hot dogs in 10 minutes.
PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER
But, let’s be frank, I was rooting for the guy who brought his own place setting, chips and can of pop to the competition and had a nice little hot dog lunch on stage in front of an adoring crowd.
PHOTO BY KRISTY GRAVER
This year’s been a great one for hot dog lovers like me. Natural Casings Hot Dog Shop opened in Mt. Washington, JDoggs set up shop near my home in West View and I attended the Sheetz Gas Station Gala for the unveiling of the Big Glizzy, a 10-inch dog endorsed by Pirates’ pitcher Paul Skenes.
I think I should get an honorary Hotdogger degree from Hot Dog High. You are what you eat.
