Hotdogger Blog

While we’re the Midwest team, we were lucky enough to do an event that led us towards a parade in Baltimore. As we made our way due East, we sudden realized we were going through an area every Wienermobile has to see at least once: The White House! I told Dijon John I was navigating BOLOGNA towards the famous landmark, as he had never seen it before. I typed it into our GPS, and we were off!

It was pretty difficult finding a parking spot for BOLOGNA with all of the Federal buildings around the capitol building, but some very nice bus drivers pulled up and made a spot for us in their waiting line!

After running up a hill, we got to the top and saw the glorious mansion that holds the inner workings of the franktastic United States of America:

BOLOGNA wants to take the place of Bo, the Obama Family dog. After all, they do share two letters of their name.

There needs to be a song on how to survive the snow. Something like:

“In winter don’t be a fool, wool socks are stylish and cool, wear long johns as a base layer, to avoid that icy-wind slayer, make sure to buy clothing that wicks, so that you don’t end up in bed sick, and most of all don’t forget the hat to warm the brain, or you’ll make it hard for your body to sustain.”

So, I’m not sure it’ll catch on…BUT, the point is still the same! I was warned by Northerners’ that it gets cold. That’s an understatement! Dijon John and I were stuck in a blizzard in New York. Nothing could prepare me for what 8 degrees and snow make for. Let’s do a photo recap, shall we?

BOLOGNA before the blizzard!

Here comes the snow!!!

Does anyone have a Wienermobile-sized jacket?

I was in in snow-shock–I think you can see that for yourself!

Ten inches in less than twelve hours. This is after the parking lot was cleared of snow.

One good thing about snow however, I made a Snowdogger

At the kickoff of the Good Mood Mission in Los Angeles, MmmK and I were lucky enough to lead the way for the University of Southern California Marching Band, behind Kristin Chenoweth:

I was also lucky enough to grab a quick shot with the fabulous Ms. Chenoweth, who likes her hot dogs like she likes her singing: top notch.

Los Angeles may have been drizzling on us that day, but you couldn’t tell by how high everyone’s spirits were.

It doesn’t get better than 12 Hotdoggers, Kristin Chenoweth, Flashmob America, 4 Wienermobile Vehicles, and unlimited smiles.

Oscar Mayer headquarters are located in beautiful Madison, Wisconsin, home of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The school’s mascot is a Badger, Bucky Badger to be exact, and did you know that Badgers love hot dogs? They also love Hotdoggers! The Wienermobile, along with Bucky, came out to support Second Harvest’s Stuff-a-Semi fundraiser to help feed families struggling during these difficult times.

Badgers' do love Hotdoggers!

The semi getting loaded up with donated food! Franks for the help!

Dijon John and I aren’t the only riders in BOLOGNA. We have a friend who travels with us named Frank. Frank E. Furter, to be exact. When people see Frank strapped in his ‘meat’ belt, they go nuts (excuse me, they go hot dogs).

Over break, I was lucky enough to attend a sporting event at my old school. When I went to the concession stand to order a drink and a hot dog, I saw someone very familiar….

Frank followed me to Florida! Looks like Oscar Mayer hot dogs are popular with sports fans, too! I was so excited, I had to take a picture.

I guess Frank wanted to be back in BOLOGNA, because when I returned, he was sitting there safely in his seat.

Dijon John, BOLOGNA, and I had a chance to ‘meat’ extraordinary soldiers from Alpha Company 132nd Brigade Support Battalion.

The exchange only further reminded me that the United States is home to the bravest men and women serving to protect our country in the military. I’m so proud that Oscar Mayer products, from hot dogs to deli shaved meats, are provided to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines through commissaries, military cafeterias and beyond across the globe. When a hot dog can remind a self-sacrificing soldier of the comforts of home (such as grilling out with family) while on a tour of duty, that means all of the world me.

The Wienermobile vehicles visit about half of the more public US military bases each year making about 70 total stops. BOLOGNA has even gone overseas to Europe to thank U.S. military stationed across the continent.

This symbolizes how large a solder's strength really is.

Thank you, Troops. Please know that we support you and are thinking of you.

As Dijon John and I travel to the different capitals of beautiful Midwestern states, we find ourselves wanting the behind-the-scenes tours of the capitol buildings where policy talks and gavels drop. We were lucky enough to experience the inner sanctuary of the Iowa Capitol Building through snooping–with permission, of course!

When Dijon and I went through security, we unloaded Wiener Whistles into baskets to go through the x-ray machine. Suddenly, we were passing out Wiener Whistles and going for a personal tour with the head of security! If you’ve ever wondered where the magic happens in Iowa, you’re about to find out.

Welcome to the Iowa Senate!

Welcome to the House of Representatives!

The title may be a little confusing, but weirdly enough, it makes sense. The cheers are from the different colleges each Hotdogger graduated from. MmmK and Doggone Dave went to Penn State. Guac’alupe, Atta-dog Adam and my partner, Dijon John, graduated from the University of Missouri. Victory Dog Victoria and C. Melton Cheddar are proud Wisconsin Badgers. A-Dog Alison hails from the University of Texas-Austin. Crusin’ Crystal has her roots at the University of Texas-Pan American. Lil Links Laura is an alumna of Ohio State. Rachel Relish is a Minnesota Gopher. And me? I’m a University of Florida Gator.

While we represent many different colleges spread out across the United States, we make a great family. Sure, some members of my family can razz others when it comes to sports (especially my poor, loveable Gators), but outside of the land of trophies, we make our own school. We’re Class 22. I’m proud to call them my friends, peers, and family. Nothing could break us up (except…maybe a big football or basketball game) and when it comes to needing someone to lean on, I know there are 11 people just waiting to have my back.

Here’s to Deuce-Deuce: May we forever love Wienermobile vehicles, Oscar Mayer and each other.

Mixing up the school pride

One crazy family.

What do you get when you mix four Hotdoggers and one Windy City? ‘Bun’bassadors Victory Dog Victoria, Rachel Relish, Dijon John, and I took the train into the city of Chicago while the Wienermobile vehicles OUR DOG and BOLOGNA spent some time reuniting and resting in our hotel parking lot. It’s such a treat (or should I say ‘meat’) to find that two teams will be doing events in the same area. After the twelve of us spent two weeks straight together at Hot Dog High (there was no ValeDOGtorian, we were all too bright!) we all share a close bond. We’re like ketchup and mustard, relish and sauerkraut, hot dogs and Oscar Mayer. Needless to say, we had a blast.

All abun! I mean, all aboard!

I'm making sure Rachel Relish stays safe!

Squish!

All of the balloons being blown-up before the parade begins!

Would you like to see what it’s like from on top of a Wienermobile while riding in a parade? I filmed the view from BOLOGNA as I tried to get the crowd involved! Check it out!

Ride Along in the Parade!

Think you’d have buns of fun riding in a parade with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile?