"The Corn Dog" Tradition

Its become a tradition...Corndogs from the "Corn Dog Man" vendor is by far the most popular at the Peanut Festival...but what makes their corndogs so good? "It`s a special recipe. I dont know it. Its in the vault and my son knows it. Hes the only one," says Jean Thomas, "The Corn Dog Man" vendor owner. The secret is in the mix. The Thomas family has been in the corndog business and a part of the Peanut Festival for over 20 years. Its become a family tradition, except this year Charles Thomas, the original "Corn Dog Man" passed away. This year has obviously been more difficult for the Thomas family, however, Ms. Thomas says she feels a peace, knowing she carried on her husbands request. "It`s been harder this year, we always depended on him. We know were doing what he wants, carrying on the tradition," says Thomas. Scott Deese normally works for the City of Dothan, however, for the past 18 years he has helped out the Thomas family business. "We miss Mr. Charle. He was the backbone. Ms. Jean will have to learn everything, now, but so far weve made it," says Deese. Thomas said every year her husband always tasted the first corndog, making sure it was just right. This year that tradition changed slightly, but she says the corn dog business will carry on for many years. JANA JACOBS-REPORTER WDHN 18