‘Weenie Wagon’ reopens in Leechburg
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Weenie season is back in Leechburg.
People who operate the popular Weenie Wagon, parked on a lot on the borough’s Market Street, usually start selling hot dogs from the wagon on Memorial Day and continue on Saturdays through October.
Covid-19 restrictions and unusually hot summer temperatures presented problems this year, said volunteer Paula Henry.
“It was just too hot (in the wagon), and we had to try and work around Plexiglas. There was no air circulation,” Henry said, noting the wagon’s three volunteers are senior citizens and the wagon doesn’t have heating or cooling.
The women opened the wagon in July, but then closed again because of oppressive temperatures. It reopened Sept. 5.
The shorter season has taken a significant financial toll.
“We missed about 15 days this season and each Saturday would bring in close to $200, and Pink Day was canceled too,” said Henry, noting sales from Pink Day usually total about $900. “We hope to remain open now that the temps are cooler.”
Proceeds from the hot dog sales (usually around $6,000) fund three charitable causes annually: the Halloweenburg parade, the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company and a scholarship awarded annually to a Leechburg Area High School senior.
Henry said Halloweenburg has been canceled by the borough, and the district scholarship is on hold.
Money will be donated to the fire department, but the contribution will be less than the usual $1,500 to $2,000.
“Our 2020 season is going to be a “whatever we can get” season. We usually give about $1,500 to the fire company and that won’t happen this year,” Henry said.
Another financial blow was the absence of annual theme park ticket sales.
“We lost about $500 from not selling Kennywood tickets,” Henry said.
The Weenie Wagon has been owned by the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company for more than 25 years.
The fire department bought it in the 1990s to serve as a mobile fundraising food wagon, and it was originally manned by volunteer firefighters.
A partnership between the Leechburg Area Community Association and the fire company was formed, and three regular volunteers — Henry, Violet Stivason and Betty Smail — began selling dogs.
This season, Toni Rupert is volunteering in place of Smail.
Henry said she enjoys her wagon gig because it gives her a chance to stay connected with the community.
“I like to talk to people and the social aspect,” Henry said.
The ladies often receive tips while volunteering, but Henry noted they donate the funds back to the Leechburg Area Community Association and the volunteer fire company.
Fire Company President Brian Scott praised the women’s dedication and perseverance during this unorthodox weenie season.
“The Weenie Wagon continues to be a positive community event due to the dedication of the team that works to keep the tradition alive. The (fire company) is very appreciative of the collaboration provided by Leechburg Area Community Association. The ladies work hard,” Scott said.
Scott said money donated to the fire company helps cover general expenses.