Drink wagon returns to its point of origin
Staff writer
A year ago, Kathleen Peterson and her family arrived at Chingawassa Days with a new business, a tent, and little idea what to expect.
After a baptism through rain, they left convinced they had something worth building.
Now, Hillsboro-based Thirsty Dog is returning to Marion to celebrate its first anniversary at the same festival Peterson credits with helping launch the venture.
The idea for the business began while Peterson was living in California with her husband. After discovering the popularity of specialty soda drinks there, she thought the concept might fill a niche back home in Kansas.
Peterson teamed up with her son, Jon Carey, and daughter-in-law, Bri Carey, to develop recipes and get the business off the ground.
Chingawassa Days became one of the family’s first opportunities to test the concept in front of a large crowd.
What they encountered was far from ideal, but only because of the weather.
A storm swept through the festival, turning grounds muddy enough that Peterson and her family bought muck boots to make it through the weekend.
Looking back, she laughs about the experience.
“If we could do another event like Chingawassa, that was the hardest event we did in that year,” Peterson said.
Difficult conditions ultimately became a turning point.
“If we could get through this, the mud and the rain and all of that, and have an awesome time and have a great profit, we could do anything,” Peterson said. “That really solidified it.”
By the end of the weekend, the family believed the business had a future.
“We all looked at each other and said, ‘Wow, we know what we’re doing,’” Peterson said. “There is a need. People responded to us. I think this business really has a chance to go.”
Over the past year, Thirsty Dog has evolved beyond its original drink menu.
After hearing repeated questions about whether the business sold hot dogs, Peterson decided to add food offerings. The menu now includes hot dogs, barbecue dogs, apple nachos, and meal combinations in addition to its specialty drinks.
Among the most popular offerings is the Muddy Dog, a root beer-based drink flavored with toasted marshmallow, vanilla, and cream.
The business operates out of Hillsboro, though Peterson notes her son lives in Newton, giving the family connections to both communities.
As Thirsty Dog prepares to return to Marion, Peterson said the anniversary celebration carried special significance.
“We’re excited,” she said. “This is our hometown. If we can’t excel in our hometown, there’s something wrong. We want to serve our people.”
Thirsty Dog will be among the vendors this weekend at Chingawassa Days.
The family also plans to continue seeking feedback from customers as it expands its menu and offerings.