Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Kenyon, Novak, Mayer
----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI) 7/22/2015
Kenyon, Dolores (Once-In-A-Lifetime Ride - 2015)
Sometimes it’s being in the right place at the right time. Such was the case with Bob Novak when he happened to have a conversation with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile drivers. Novak volunteered to show the drivers some of the sights of Black River Falls if they would stop and, and pick up his mom, Dolores Kenyon and take her for a ride too. They agreed and Dolores and Bob had a great time sharing their ride in the Wienermobile. (Contributed photo)
The last thing Dolores Kenyon expected when she woke up one Friday was by the end of the day she would be cruising the streets in a vehicle that everyone knows but few actually get to see the inside of - the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.
The 27-foot hot dog on wheels traveled to Gordy’s Country Market in Black River Falls (BRF) as a promotional event. In a typical case of being in the right place at the right time, Dolores’ son, Bob Novak, struck up a conversation with the Oscar Mayer “Hotdoggers” who pilot the machine. Conversation led him to him being asked to recommend some places of interest in town after their visit at the grocery store ended.
Novak volunteered to be their BRF tour guide, and they took him up on it! Once he was inside, he made a special request, so one of the first places the vehicle pulled up to, was his mom’s house. A very surprised Dolores was escorted to the vehicle and once seated, was reminded to fasten her “Meat-belt” and they were off to tour the town.
Dolores Kenyon, thanks to a special request by her son Bob Novak, helped with a tour of Black River Falls taken in the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. Kenyon is pictured with “Hotdoggers” Liz and Owen the day the Wienermobile made a stop at Gordy’s Country Market. One stop was at the Orange Moose Bar & Grill. (Contributed photo)
That afternoon, the Hotdoggers, Liz and Owen, were introduced - to and stopped at the Orange Moose and just by happenstance, were greeted by Miss Jackson County and her court also. Heading out of town each way, Novak was kept busy pointing the highlights that make BRF special. The tour included swinging past the Sand Creek Brewery and the last stop was at Toybox Rides, just behind the Sunset.
The Wienermobile drivers, or “Hotdoggers” as they’re referred, Liz and Owen (far right)), made a stop at Toybox Rides where they visited with Mike Zindrick (second from left) and Craig Rodenberg.
(Contributed photo)
During the tour, Liz and Owen gave an interesting rendition of what their job entailed, from application and interview, acceptance, study and graduation at “Hot Dog U” to daily adventures on the road.
The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile has been roaming America’s highways since 1936, when this eye-catching vehicle was created by Carl Mayer (Oscar’s nephew!) This is actually one of six vehicles on the road. The Oscar Mayer website sites they are looking for “Hotdoggers,” also known as “Wienermobile pilots skilled at delivering unlimited joy to thousands of people every day. Those who have what it takes: (a love of people, a winning smile, driving skill, and a desire to crisscross the country), are encouraged to apply.)”
Novak, when asked about his mother’s reaction to this once in a lifetime experience, grinned and said, “She’s had some adventures in her life, but she’d tell you that this was a first.”
When asked what she thought of the whole adventure, Dolores said, “What a surprise. It was fun visiting with the drivers, meeting people and seeing their reactions, but one of the best things about the whole ride was watching Bob - he was having so much fun - just like a big kid!”
