National Wiener Dog Racing Association to host 11th annual event in Vergas

Photo by Robert Williams
A full field of dachshunds is expected to race during Looney Days 11th annual Wiener Dog Races Saturday, Aug. 12, beginning at 9 a.m.

The Vergas Community Club, in conjunction with the National Wiener Dog Racing Association, has announced that Dachshund racing will return to Vergas on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 9 a.m., during the village’s annual Looney Days celebration.

This fun family activity, “2023 Wiener Dog Races at Looney Days,” is celebrating its 11th anniversary of holding wiener dog races during Looney Days in Vergas.  

The races will be held on the turf at the Vergas baseball field beginning at 9 a.m., with registration and practice beginning an hour prior.

The races will conclude by 11 a.m., to enable everyone to participate in all of the other fun events at Looney Days.

Up to 75 racers from as far away as Florida, Texas, and Nevada are expected to participate. No racing experience is necessary, as the racers often decide that socializing is more important than speed. 

The race will be less than 100-feet long, and each racer will need a two-human “pit crew,” one each at the start and finish lines. 

Complete rules are provided on race day. 

Spectator admission is free. 

Bleacher seating is limited. Lawn chairs are suggested. 

Racer entry fee is $15, or $25 per race family.

T-shirts commemorating the race are available, while quantities last, at Vergas Hardware, Vergas Liquor Store, and at the track on race day 

For more information visit the Facebook page “2023 Wiener Dog Races at Looney Days,” “Vergas Community Club” or contact Digger Anderson at (763) 370-9796 or digsisme@gmail.com.