How long has Vergas 

held wiener dog races? 

The first race was held in 2013. At the 2012 Looney Days wrap-up meeting, there was a discussion about needing a new Looney Days event to “freshen things up.” Digger Anderson suggested wiener dog races. After some reservations, it was decided to give them a try as long as Digger was willing to chair the committee. The race has grown larger every year since then.

Where is Vergas 

is the race held? 

The race is held at the main baseball field in Vergas. The first few years, it was held along the fence behind the new Veteran’s monument. Organizers outgrew that space, and in 2024 we relocated the track into right field. This move enabled us to make the track larger and provide seating around the entire track.

How does the race work?

Ideally each dog has two handlers—one at the starting line and one at the finish line. The handler at the starting line holds on tightly until the starter announces “GO! (No tossing the wiener). The handler at the finish line calls for their racer while holding a toy, treat, or whatever bribes your wiener down the track. The handler at the finish line is encouraged to kneel well behind the finish line so the dog is running full speed when it crosses the finish line. The complete set of rules is available on race day.

How many dogs 

run in each race?

The heat races and the initial rounds of elimination races typically have up to 10 dogs per race, depending upon the total size of the field. The top finishers from the heats advance to the championship bracket. Dogs that don’t advance compete against each other to earn their way back into the championship bracket. We then race the dogs in the championship bracket, single elimination, until the final championship race. There are fewer dogs per race as we get further into the event, with usually around six dogs in the championship race.

Are only wiener dogs 

permitted to race?

Although organizers encourage the entry of pure bred dachshunds, part-dachshunds and other small bodied, short legged dogs are also permitted. In the spirit of wiener dog racing, larger or long-legged dogs are discouraged from entering.

How do I enter my dog? 

The easiest way is to pre-register and pay online at www.vergascommunityclub.com under Things to Do > Looney Days > Wiener Dog Race Registration. You can also complete a registration form and mail it, along with a check or cash to:

Wiener Dog Races

PO Box 273

Vergas, MN 56587

Pre-registered dogs must check in at the registration desk before the race. Walk-up registrations are also accepted on race day until 8:45 a.m. All dogs must be registered by 8:45 a.m.

How much does it cost 

to enter my dog? 

The entry fee for one dog is $20. The entry fee for more than one dog within the same racing family is $30 total. Online registration includes credit card fees.

What time does the 

race start and finish? 

The event site opens at 7 a.m., and most of the staff arrives around 7:30 a.m. The track is available for practice until the pre-race ceremonies begin shortly before 8:45 a.m. The first race begins at 9 a.m., and we make every effort to conclude by 10:30 a.m.

How much does it cost 

for spectators? 

Spectator admission is free

How can this much 

entertainment be free? 

Registration fees are a small part of the income. Our major revenue source is the profit from event tee shirt sales. Our event sponsor, Forest Edge Gallery, provides the wonderful trophies for our top three finishers, as well as two door prizes. The Backyard in Perham sponsors our printed race program.

Do I need to 

bring my own chair? 

No. There are no areas available for carry-in lawn chairs. Organizers provide bleacher seating for 1,600 spectators, as well as ground seating around most of the track.

Is there a good place for 

kids to watch the race? 

Most of the area around the track is reserved for ground seating only, making it the perfect location for kids of all ages to sit on the ground and watch the racing action up close. Who knows….you might even get a special visit and a sloppy wet kiss from one of the racers! Sometimes the racers would rather get attention from the kids than race down the track.

Where can I park? 

Most of the streets in Vergas are available for parking. There are also a handful of parking lots that are available. There are also free golf cart shuttles operating continuously throughout the day.

Is there food/beverage 

available at the track? 

Yes, there will be food and beverage available at the track. The Vergas Lions Club serves their delicious breakfast sandwiches under their tent Ever.Green Coffee from Vergas has steaming hot coffee, and eye-opening Bloody Mary’s are available thanks to Proof Distilleries out of Fargo.

Where can I buy 

a race T-shirt? 

T-shirts are available in advance at Ditterich’s Mercantile, Natalie’s Serendipity, and Billy’s Corner Bar. Shirts are available on race day next to the registration tent.

Where can I buy 

a dachshund puppy? 

From past experience, organizers recommend purchasing any pet only from a reputable breeder. Carefully do your research before making this long-term commitment. Organizers have invited several dachshund breeders to join them at this year’s race. Although they do not necessarily endorse these breeders, our research shows that they are among the top-rated dachshund breeders in Minnesota. Please visit booths if you are interested.

Our invited breeders are:

1) Weiners on a Hill – Denise Carlson, Annandale

2) Wind Prairie Doxies – Leigh Smith, Nelson

3) Dachshunds Up North – Chuck Goering, Bigfork,

4) Long Ears and Long Dogs Ranch – Gwen Ritter, Bigfork.

Where can I 

get a rescue pet? 

Also new this year, organizers welcome the Humane Society of the Lakes from Detroit Lakes. Please visit their booth for opportunities to rescue a pet and give it a loving home.

If my kid gets bored, 

are there other kids 

activities available? 

It never gets boring for the kids at Looney Days! While the races are going on, starting at 9:30 a.m. check out the FREE family games provided by the Perham Area Boys and Girls Club. Next to the family games, have fun with Hannah, the face painter from The Painted Turtle. At 10 a.m., enjoy the FREE INFLATABLE GAMES sponsored by the Vergas Community Club.

What can I do 

after the race? 

Today’s fun begins with the races and continues the rest of the day – right through the water fights on Main Street after the Grand Parade on Sunday afternoon.

After the races, most spectators head directly to Main Street for the annual Looney Days Street Fair. Widely known has the finest summer street fairs in the lakes area, our Looney Days committee hand-selects the vendors who offer an incredible variety of unique items, many of which can only be found in Vergas.

From the street, step into one of the many thriving local businesses up and down main street and beyond. Everything that you could possibly want…and need…can be found right here in Vergas during Looney Days.

Take a short walk down to Loon Park on Long Lake, and get your picture taken with the World’s Largest Loon. Sign up for – or simply enjoy – the Loon Calling Contest at 1:30 p.m., followed by the always-entertaining Puppy Plunge at 3 p.m.

Whose dog will jump 

the farthest off the 

dock this year? 

From 5–6:30 p.m., check out the water ski show from the Loon Park Beach. Cap the day off with our old-fashioned street dance on Main Street featuring the music of Slamarama.