The inside of the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, plus the driver's seat. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

It’s a sight that never gets old — an American icon on wheels, shaped like a giant hot dog, rolling into town. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile made a bun-believable stop in Tyler on Thursday on a multi-day tour, giving locals a chance to snap photos, grab a Weenie Whistle, and relish the moment.

Tyler resident Carrie Caton Smith was eager to pose in front of the iconic sausage submarine.

“I had to stop and get a selfie and send it to my children and embarrass them,” she said. “And also just kind of see what childhood memories come back and see if I can sing the song in my head.”

The Wienermobile has been rolling across America for 88 years, a tradition that began during the Great Depression when Carl Mayer, Oscar Mayer’s nephew, designed the first version to spread joy in the streets of Chicago. What started as a pedal-powered cart has evolved through multiple designs, from classic cars to futuristic bubble-shaped models, each iteration keeping the spirit of fun alive.

The most recent change came in 2023 when the Wienermobile was briefly renamed the Frankmobile, a nod to Kraft Heinz’s 100% beef franks and their new recipe. But the name change was quickly roasted by fans, and by popular demand, the ketchup cruisers reverted to their classic name.

“I think (the Wienermobile) just a fun, happy throwback nostalgic thing that brings a smile to people’s faces,” Smith said. “I think we all could use a little bit of happiness right now.”

Doyle Morse, a self-proclaimed car enthusiast, happened to wear his Oscar Mayer Wienermobile socks on the same day the frankfurter flyer rolled into town — without even knowing it was coming.

“I got these socks for Christmas and wore them to my office this morning, and everyone told me that the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile was in town,” he said. “I really had no idea, so I came out here on my lunch break.”

Morse first saw the Wienermobile in 1976 when it passed through Beaumont. Back then, it didn’t stop for public tours, according to Morse.

“It’s almost like being a kid again,” he said. “It’s really cool to go from remembering seeing them drive down the road to actually being able to walk inside. It’s also great to have something free for kids to see, have fun, and live in a little bit of nostalgia.”

Since 1988, the Wienermobile has been piloted by Hotdoggers, or brand ambassadors who crisscross the country in pairs. A well-seasoned fact? More people have been sent to the moon than have driven a Wienermobile.

“I’m very frank-ful for such a wonderful opportunity,” said Hotdogger and brand ambassador Matthew Bailey. “Some people ask us, ‘What is it like being a celebrity?’ And I say, ‘I’m not a celebrity; I’m the celebrity’s bodyguard.’ It spreads joy and brings positivity, so it’s such an honor and a privilege to be able to escort this beautiful little creation all across the U.S.”

Hotdoggers spend half the year cruising one region with a co-pilot before swapping and heading to a new territory with a different partner. In less than a year, they cover thousands of miles, stopping in cities big and small.

“In my time on the road, I’ve hit 22 different states, just counting ones I’ve done events in, and that’s been all the way from coast to coast to weenie roast, if you will,” Bailey said. “My current map of travel and my hot-dogging days is quite insane.”

For Bailey, that means spending 24/7 with fellow Hotdogger Maddie Meyers — better known as Mustard Maddie — as they relish their time on the road together.

“We’ve been down here in the southern region of the U.S., hopping around state to state, city to city, having a wonderful time just trying to make people’s days a little bit brighter and bring some smiles,” Bailey said. “The people here in East Texas have been awesome. They have been so kind and so welcoming. Everyone appreciates the Wienermobile’s presence, which is always just bun-derful.”

Becoming a Hotdogger isn’t just a walk in the park; it’s a grilled-to-perfection process. Aspiring drivers must first cut the mustard through a competitive selection process, which includes phone interviews and an exclusive meat-and-greet at Kraft Heinz headquarters in Glenview, Ill.

Those who make the cut then head to Hot Dog High in Madison, Wisconsin, where they spend two weeks training to steer the iconic frankfurter on wheels, master the history of Oscar Mayer, and develop event planning and media relations skills.

Once on the road, their duties go beyond just driving the jumbo jalopy. They ketchup with communities by rolling into grocery stores, handing out coupons, and, of course, distributing the coveted Weenie Whistles. But perhaps their most important mission? Serving up a steady stream of puns that keep fans and bystanders entertained at every stop. Buns of wisdom, if you will.

“You gotta be the top dog to cut the mustard if you’re going to be a Hotdogger, and part of that is getting your puns intact,” Bailey said. “We got buns of puns ready to go fresh off the grill.”

The Wienermobile’s sizzling tour continues Friday with stops at Brookshire’s on Roseland Boulevard from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by Super 1 Foods on NNW Loop 323 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

On Saturday, it will make an early stop at Fresh by Brookshire’s on Old Jacksonville Highway from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. as part of the annual Fresh 15 event.

The tour wraps up Sunday with appearances at Super 1 Foods on E. Gentry Parkway from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Centennial Parkway from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

If you want to ketchup with the Wienermobile’s latest stops, visit khcmobiletour.com/wienermobile — because someone definitely let the dogs out.