After Vancouver’s famous Wiener Wagon was stolen early Monday morning, community members rallied in support on social media and searched the streets.
The local landmark — which is nestled on the corner of 12th and Main streets — was stolen from owner Robin Povec’s Rose Village home. At about 3 a.m. Monday, a neighbor saw the wagon being taken, Povec said. Another witness told Povec that they saw the wagon heading over the Interstate 5 Bridge around 4 a.m.
Early Monday morning, Povec told The Columbian the hot-dog business she runs from the wagon is her only source of income.
So when she received a message around 4:30 p.m. that the Wiener Wagon was found in Portland, she began to cry.
“This is such a relief,” Povec said.
After the tip, Povec called the police. At press time, the wagon’s condition was unknown. Povec said she was told the inside of the wagon had been gutted.
“At least I can build from something. Instead of having nothing,” Povec said.
Legacy continues
The wagon has a legacy dating back almost five decades. Povec purchased the wagon from her dad, Robert “Skip” Ballweber, who began operating the wagon in the late 1970s.
But the Wiener Wagon isn’t just a community staple because of its time in Vancouver. It’s also a vehicle for public service.
Povec provides free meals at the end of the day to kids at the nearby skate park and those experiencing homelessness.
Povec, who has been in recovery for 16 years, also gives free lunch to people going through the drug court system and attends many recovery events with her wagon
“I try to take care of everybody as much as I can,” Povec said.
