Oktoberfest's premiere event had a small beginning but packs a big crowd each fall. Photos courtesy of Tim Hill.
Oktoberfest's Wiener Race has Grown inbrPopularity and Size through the Years
By Tina Auten, Staff Writer
During thebrearly years of Oktoberfest, bales of hay were used to corral energetic wienerbrdogs and there were approximately 10-15 contestants in the first race. Although a bit chaotic, everyone had fun andbrthe tradition known as the Wiener Dog Race was born. Over the years the race has grown in bothbrorganization and popularity, according to longtime wiener enthusiast andbrOktoberfest volunteer, Carolyn Hobbs. brWhite-picket fencing was added along with bleachers and eventually,brartificial turf and a wiener dog parade. brBy 2006, approximately 75 wiener dogs were entered in the race and inbr2008, the race was moved from the grassy area in front of the gazebo to thebrgrassy area in front of the Rustin Park water fountain. At that time, the six racing lanes werebrincreased to 39 feet long and bleachers were added for spectators.
As the racebrhas gained popularity, it has also drawn entrants from places like Abilene andbrNorman, Oklahoma. Last year's race hadbr193 registered wieners and this year, organizers are expecting another greatbrturnout.
Race organizerbrLori McDaniel encourages competing wieners to pre-register before Saturday'sbrrace by visiting the Oktoberfest Weiner Dog Race page. Registration on-site begins at 8:45 a.m.brbefore the event, but competitors are urged not to wait because the Wiener DogbrParade begins at 9:45 a.m. Races begin atbr10 a.m. at Town Square.
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