NAZARETH, Pa. — While the Bushkill Township Volunteer Fire Company’s annual carnival has plenty of rides, food, music and games, two automotive attractions were the center of attention on opening night.
Barbie's classic pink convertible and the Oscar Mayer's legendary Wienermobile.
And visitors to the event certainly relished the opportunity to check those cool cars out.
Wednesday marked the first night of the event, which runs from 6 to 10 p.m. May 2, 6 to 11 p.m. May 3, 1 to 11 p.m. May 4, and 1 to 6 p.m. on May 5.
The Wienermobile features a “grilled fiberglass hot dog resting on a lightly toasted fiberglass bun.”Hotdogger Mary Clare Kammer
Just after the carnival opened, crowds already had flooded the grounds to check out the Ferris wheel, enjoy sausage sandwiches and take a shot at winning a giant stuffed teddy bear or two for the kids.
But the incredible spectacle of the carnival’s slate of vehicles just may have been the biggest attraction of all.
While getting a ride on an active, working firetruck might be a dream come true for most kids, attendees young, old, and everything in between were truly in awe of the Wienermobile and Barbie’s beloved convertible.
Hotdoggers — yes, that is their official title — Mary Clare Kammer and Chloe van Caeseele manned the grounds for the giant mobile hotdog, chatting up guests, describing the history of the Weinermobile and, of course, handing out Wiener Whistles.
According to Kammer, it’s free to request a visit from one of the six active Wienermobiles — which measure 27 feet, or 60 hot dogs, in length — which feature a “grilled fiberglass hot dog resting on a lightly toasted fiberglass bun.”
A good turnout
Not long after the gates opened, Kammer and Caeseele had seen a swarm of hot dog fanatics.
“Oh, my gosh, it's been amazing," Kammer said. "When we first got here, there were already people lining up to see the Wienermobile.
"And we've already heard a lot of great stories that people have through time with the Wienermobile.Hotdogger Mary Clare Kammer
"And we've already heard a lot of great stories that people have through time with the Wienermobile.
“Someone just told me when she was pregnant with her firstborn, she saw the Wienermobile and now has multiple kids that get to see it all together.”
Created by Oscar Meyer’s nephew Carl Meyer in 1936, the Wienermobile has seen at least a dozen different iterations over the years.
The prestigious position of Hotdogger was invented in 1988, with the responsibility of driving the dogs across the country. Since then, only 450 college graduates have served in the role — or roll.
“It was basically made as a way to make people smile, and I feel like we're still doing the same thing today,” Kammer said.
Unfortunately, the Wienermobile was a one-night-only event.
But there’s still plenty to enjoy through Sunday.
Jenna Kerestes came out to the carnival with her children Caleb, Caleigh and Catherine for the first time on Wednesday, and certainly relished the opportunity to have some fun checking out the fun vehicle and enjoying other elements of the event, which “everybody talks about.”
“We went on some rides, we rode the fire track, and took some pictures with the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile," Kerestes said. "It was fun.”
A doll's car
Just a few feet away, Sarah Miller — decked out in a pink checkered dress as Barbie — offered visitors an opportunity to get some photos sitting in the beloved doll’s chic pink convertible.
“Every year or two years or so, I rewrap the car, and this year I thought it'd be fun to have it pink," Miller said. "And I dressed up with the theme.
"I just enjoy spreading the joy with everyone, just having fun.”
“They scream and yell and point to it; they love being able to go sit in the car. And a lot of the older people reminisce about either cars or when they had their Barbies.”Sarah Miller
And the kids — those young and young at heart — at the carnival have absolutely loved seeing the 2015 Mazda Mx-5 in a Dolly Pink wrap, which can be rented for events via Mimi’s Convertibles.
“They scream and yell and point to it; they love being able to go sit in the car,” Miller said. “And a lot of the older people reminisce about either cars or when they had their Barbies.”
And just a short walk in the opposite direction, visitors had a chance to take a ride on a working firetruck from Bushkill’s fleet.
Bridget Blatt and her son Grayson both said they had a fun time on the truck — though Grayson may have been a bit winded by the ride, he said it was “super fun.”
They also said they were enjoying just about every element of the carnival.
The fact that there were no lines, and entrance to the carnival was free, was the cherry on the sundae — or, in this case, the mustard on the hot dog.
For the rest of the carnival, guests can continue to enjoy firetruck rides, live music, a silent auction, bingo games, dozens of vendors and crafters, food and drinks, rides, games, and the beer garden.
Each night also features a selection of specialty events — including deals on ride wristbands — which prospective attendees can check out via the carnival’s website.
The event is one of Bushkill’s biggest fundraisers of the year and serves as an opportunity for the community to connect with local first responders.
And to say "hi" to Barbie.
