You know it's spring in downtown Wausau when a familiar aroma fills the air.

Chip's Popcorn Wagon is open for business.

Popcorn wagons have been a tradition in Wausau since the 1940s. Keeping the nostalgia alive is Chip Winter, also known as "the popcorn man."

Since 1996 Chip's Popcorn Wagon has been a warm weather staple, parked on the corner of Scott and 3rd Streets, and making customers' mouths water.

"We have a large and small, plain and butter, cheese corn, caramel corn, and we make it all ourselves," Winter said.

Wednesday, Winter opened his old-fashioned popcorn wagon for the first time this season, and those who noticed stopped by.

"They make the best popcorn. It's a good treat when you're out and about," said Betsy Benaszeski, a customer.

This year, Chip's opened a few days late than normal, but Winter says despite the snow on the ground, he's ready to serve anyone craving a salty snack.

"Every time I'm in town I always stop by the popcorn man," Benaszeski said.

This year the business is open M-F from noon-10 p.m., and Saturday from noon-5 p.m.