Chillicothe, OH – Get ready for some wiener dog racing fun! Petland, Inc. is excited to sponsor the 2nd Annual Petland Wiener Race, a highlight of Downtown Chillicothe’s Oktoberfest celebration. The races are set to take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 5 p.m. with check-in starting at 4 p.m. in the Majestic Theater Courtyard, located at 45 E. 2nd Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601.
Elizabeth Kunzelman, Vice President of Legislative and Public Affairs at Petland, expressed her enthusiasm: “The Wiener Races were a huge hit last year, and we’re thrilled to bring them back during Oktoberfest. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our beloved dachshunds and the vibrant spirit of our community.”
Dachshund owners interested in participating must pre-register by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 16, 2024. Registration forms can be found online at https://tinyurl.com/racer2024. Only dachshunds that are at least four months old are eligible, and each dog must be registered individually. Participants will need to provide recent immunization records and veterinarian contact details.
The races will be organized in heats, with a maximum of six dachshunds competing at a time. Winners of each heat will advance to subsequent rounds until a final champion is crowned. Each dachshund must be accompanied by an adult (18 or older) and have two handlers—one at the start line and one at the finish line—to ensure safety throughout the event. Dogs must be on a leash except when racing.
Oktoberfest festivities will run from 3 – 10 p.m. on E. 2nd Street, between Paint and Mulberry Streets, featuring German food, beer, music, and more. Registered racers and their owners can enter Oktoberfest free of charge through designated entry points. General admission for spectators is $5, or $3 with German attire. Proceeds from the festival will support downtown flowers and Christmas lights.
For more details about Oktoberfest, visit https://downtownchillicothe.com/events/oktoberfest-3/.
