See The Weird, Wild, Wienermobile In Massachusetts This Weekend

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in Massachusetts? In this economy? Yes, it's true. And it might even be coming to your town.

There hasn't been this much buzz around the Wienermobile since Oscar Mayer rolled a half-dozen of them out to canvas the U.S. back in 1988. Now, one of those iconic Wienermobiles is rolling into a handful of Massachusetts towns and cities.

The timing is just right. It's July, after all. Summer in New England. Prime hot dog grilling (and eating) season. And with the 999 Challenge back in the zeitgeist, it seems like everybody's got glizzys on the mind. So let's find the Wienermobile!

Below, you'll find the dates and times you can catch the Wienermobile in Massachusetts this weekend.

Wednesday, July 10: Shaw's in Dartmouth, 15 State Rd., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday, July 11: Shaw's in Brockton, 641 Belmont St., 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday, July 12: Star Market in Quincy, 130 Granite St., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, July 13: Shaw's in Beverly, 71 Dodge St., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday, July 14: Bay State Auto Antique Show in Dedham, 656 East St., 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

And if you're reading this outside the Commonwealth? You can track all six Wienermobiles here.

Fun fact: the folks that drive the Wienermobile? They're called Hotdoggers. Yes, I understand that's pretty close to a pretty ribald term. But we're keeping this family-friendly. Just last year, CBS Boston did a short piece on what it takes to become a Hotdogger.

So while you're too late to make the Class of '24, maybe it's something you can shoot for next year. In the meantime, bone up on your glizzy skills with the 999 Challenge below.

The 999 Challenge isn't anything new. But it's worth revisiting, as it's become a topic du jour for baseball fans in America.

It reentered the conversation at the beginning of this most recent MLB season, via the Subreddit for Major League Baseball. 9/9/9 Challenge. How many of you could do it? has garnered hundreds of upvotes and comments in recent months.

The earliest reference to the stunt I could find was from Bleacher Report in 2011. As author Matt Hurst puts it: "The 9-9-9 Challenge is simple: You eat nine hot dogs, drink nine beers and do it during a baseball game, so for nine innings."

"Simple," you say? Well, that's up for debate. So debate we did. "We" in this case is yours truly, my Dad, my brother Nate, my uncle Neil, his buddy Tito, and our buddy Graz. Greenwood Legends group chat, talking about the Challenge.

The first factor my Dad brought up was cost. We focused on Fenway Park, as we're Sox fans. Fenway averages $9.50 per beer, and a Fenway Frank is $6.25, so we'll say $10 and $7 with tips. $17 per inning times 9 innings? That'll run you $153.

And who the Sox are playing makes a difference, too. As Neil pointed out, if it's a 4-hour epic battle against the Yankees, you'd have a chance. If it's a 2-and-a-half-hour pitcher's duel, no way. And remember: no beer sales after the 7th.

Graz pointed out that Nate once took down 7 beers at a game, so he stood the best chance. Tito suggested double-fisting and double-dogging through the first 5 innings. We all agreed that the 999 Challenge is best suited for home consumption.

While the six of us get our game plan together, you can take a look below at some fans who've attempted the challenge. I bet Big Papi could pull it off.

Here's a valiant attempt from a group of lads at a Dodgers game in L.A. Spoiler alert: they fail.

This is much more my speed. Crushing the Challenge at home, watching Phillies vs. Marlins. Well done.

The 999 Challenge on wheels: 9 beers, 9 hot dogs, 9 treflips, $999 to the winner. Trent Elkins, you are legend.