It’s always fun to see people walking out of grocery stores holding packages of Oscar Mayer hot dogs. Not only does it mean they love the taste, but it also means they trust that the product will always be beyond satisfaction. We’re proud when we go to movie theatres’ selling our franks, convenient stores with signs pointing towards the grilling dogs, or even shouts from fans saying “It’s all I’ll buy!” But imagine Atta-Dog Adam’s and my surprise when we exited the plane into the terminal and saw:

Of course, the employees were a little overwhelmed by our serious enthusiasm and paparazzi-style photography, but when we handed them Wiener Whistles and explained, laughs erupted and they asked if we were hungry.

Leaving the security of college and venturing into the fascinating roads of the United States can be an extremely exciting and slightly nerve wracking adventure. I was fortunate enough to be partnered with Atta-Dog Adam in the Southeast, and not only has the Wienermobile made amazing memories for visitors, but it has allowed me to ‘meat’ someone I will consider a close friend for the rest of my life.

I don’t mean to be a corn dog, but you should relish the people who mean the most to you and hold on to that rare and wonderful thing. I just want to acknowledge Atta-Dog Adam, who, if I have anything to say about it, will live close by so we can share our memories of YUMMY and this amazing journey we’re on. Thanks, Adam, you’re Vale’dog’torian in my book.

While working at Kroger in the small town of Harriman, Tennessee, two sisters approached me with an absolutely delightful photo of their childhood:

Here is Donna and Debbie as young girls in front of the 1958 Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. I deciphered it was the ‘58 because of the phrase ”All Meat Wieners.” The sisters have held onto this photo for over forty years because of how it reminds them of their love of the 27-foot-long hot dog. When they saw the posting on Kroger’s door that we were coming, they took it out of safekeeping and brought it to our event.

I had Debbie and Donna stand in front of YUMMY to recreate the moment, and what a mighty fine moment it was:

I did miss one little detail! They’re on the wrong side for the photo. But that’s okay! It adds character and creates a new memory. In the new photo, Debbie is on the left and Donna is on the right. In the vintage photo, they’ve switched places.

I hope all readers use these women as an example to share all of your wacky, wonderful stories and encounters with the Wienermobile when you see us on the hot dog highways!

You may have thought the title was a typo, but it’s purposeful.

Durham, North Carolina is home to many wonderful things. Full of culture, museums, and top tier colleges, it’s also home to a place where people hold onto to hope. That place is the Ronald McDonald House of Durham.

A Ronald McDonald House is a place of residence where the parents of children that are being administered treatment can stay at night for reduced or no cost. When medical bills are quick to pile up in this day and age, it’s a charity that is extremely beneficial for loved ones wanting to stay close by.

Atta-Dog Adam and I loaded up on Wiener Whistles and stickers and set out to make every family we came across in the house smile. Residents ventured out excited upon us arriving. I guess it isn’t hard to miss a giant hot dog that plays a jingle for a horn.

Director David Knobeloch greeted us with a sense of warmness that you could only have if you truly loved your job and cared about the people you were working for. As he was giving us a tour of the facilities, I paused in the playroom when I noticed a similarity:

Do you see something the Wienermobile and the playroom share in common? Perhaps one sky-covered ceiling?

Us Hotdoggers’ are always looking for ways to learn about a way to participate in helping a cause. David shared that what sets this Ronald McDonald House apart is the way they turn trash into treasure–or, in this case, money.

Over $23,000 was raised last year by collecting the little tabs you pull to open soda, soup or other aluminum cans. The funds generated from recycling these aluminum gems help offset the House’s expenses. Talk about making something out of nothing!

We’ve included a paper house on our Hotdogging table just in case anyone with a tab nearby can ‘pop’ in some much needed help.

Thanks to David and all the families we were fortunate enough to ‘meat’! We’ll wear our t-shirts with pride.

At Oscar Mayer, heritage is important to us. When we began our wonderful, yet intense week of learning at Hot Dog High, I was exposed to the rich family history of the organization that involves much more than just a name.

Cut to ten months later: Atta-Dog Adam and I were rolling the streets of Savannah when we came across a woman with quite a story to share: Oscar G. Mayer (grandson of our founding father Oscar F. Mayer), was her father-in-law. Her husband is Donald Mayer, the second son of Oscar G. Mayer who, when he was President, had great influence in the expansion of the company and greatly shaped the values upon which the company became successful.. Sandy Mayer, considering us members of her extended family, invited us over for a wonderful home cooked dinner with her husband.

We were regaled with stories of the evolution of the Wienermobile, about “Uncle” Carl Mayer and his vision of pre-sliced bacon and modern America. After we had finished savoring the flavorful meal (it’s apparent cooking comes in the family blood), we were taken down memory lane, seeing photos and articles that have appeared over the 125+ years of good food and family.

This is the Mayer’s first share of stock they owned. I offered them ten dollars for the one share, but they decided it’s priceless to them :

It’s comforting thought to know the family company you work for was built on hard work, faith in their product, and the idea that everyone deserves a little bite of happiness.

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.