SW Florida Wiener Dog Club and Shell Factory to host WienerFest 2011
Dashing dachshunds will race and be on parade when the SW Florida Wiener Dog Club and Shell Factory host WienerFest 2011.
The event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 18, starting at 10 a.m. with registration and a meet and greet time. Races start at 11 a.m., and following them at 4 p.m., contests for a variety of wiener distinctions will be held, along with a hot dog eating contest.
“There are three categories for racing – puppies up to 2 years old, adult dogs 2 to 6, and seniors 7 and older,” said club organizer Peggy Kay.
The SW Florida Wiener Dog Club is a relatively new club.
“We started in April, after participating in other local derbies,” she said.
The group that had their derbies at the Shell Factory in the past moved to a new location, and she and factory representatives wanted to carry on the tradition, especially with the new Doggy Heaven Dog Sports Park.
The park is home to several area groups, including the Wiener Dog Club, SunCoast Dock Dogs, with their 40-by-20-foot dog diving pool, Calusa Dog Agility Club and the Lee County Dog Obedience Club.
“The cost to enter your dachshund in a race is $10 per dog,” Kay said. “A registration form is on our website – people can fill it out and mail it to me.”
She suggests bringing dogs in closer to the event or just registering that day. When the dogs arrive at the facility, they must show proof of vaccination and current license.
“Our races are family friendly and non-intimidating. Of course we enjoy friendly competition, but the welfare and safety of all the dogs is our first concern,” she said.
She said they always try to schedule races in the coolest part of the day, and water and shade is always available.
“Our partner Vet on Wheels will be on hand to help if there is an emergency,” she said.
After racing, wieners will be on parade in a variety of contests, including:
- Best trick
- Best costume
- Waggiest tail
- Most obedient
- Dog and owner look-a-like
- Smallest wiener
- Largest wiener
- Handsomest boy
- Prettiest girl
- Doggy Heaven’s Cutest Little Angel
The Publix store on Pine Island Road is sponsoring the hot dog eating contest after the races.
It is free to watch, and spectators will have fun, she said. In the past the large crowds have made it hard to see the races, but that is something they have addressed.
“I’m really excited that we’re going to have bleachers set up around the perimeter of the 50-foot track, both on the outside and inside for spectator viewing,” she said.
While dachshunds will be the only racers, the public is invited to bring their dogs as long as they are leashed.
Kay will bring her own two dachshunds, Botsey and Bailey, who are litter mates. Both 6 years old, the black and tan males were adopted from the local Forever Pets.
Kay has worked for the city of Fort Myers in recreation for 20 years. She is happy with how the club is growing.
“The club is growing on Facebook and Meetup.com and members are signing up. You don’t have to be a member to participate in the races,” she said.
The club meets once a month on the third Sunday of the month from 9-11 a.m., when they do “Wiener Racing 101” – a learning exercise and practice for newcomers.
“We do practice racing for people and dogs who have never done it before to try it. There s no charge,” she said.
The interaction is a way to socialize dogs.
“It’s really important to have a well-rounded pet,” she said.
The group then has a late breakfast or early lunch at Shell Factory’s Dogbones Cafe, which is a pet-friendly restaurant.
“You can also bring your pooch with you when you come for drink specials during Canines and Cocktails there every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.,” she said.
For more information, go to: Swfloridawinerdogs.com or call the group at 458-3294, or the Shell Factory at 995-2141.
The Shell Factory is located at 2787 N. Tamiami Trail, and the dog park entrance is at the main entrance, located off of US 41 North/Cleveland Avenue.