Wieners and wiener wannabes will be off to the races Oct. 6 at the 12th annual "Wiener Takes All" benefit races for the Bella Vista Animal Shelter at Loch Lomond softball complex in Bella Vista.
The dachshund races will consist of up to 10 heats, with the "wiener" of each competing for the grand champion award in a final race. Heats are grouped by ages. Pre-registration for dachshunds is $20, or $25 day of, and owners are encouraged to solicit sponsorships. The male and female dachshund bringing in the most sponsorship money for the shelter will be named king and queen. Check-in for racers will begin at 10 a.m., with the first race starting at 11 a.m.
Weiner Takes All
Who: Bella Vista Animal Shelter
What: Wiener and “wiener wannabe” races, vendor booths, food for sale
When: 10 a.m. check-in, 11 a.m. races Oct. 6 (rain date Oct. 13)
Where: Loch Lomond softball complex in Bella Vista
Registration: Racers $20 until Sept. 21 or $25 day of, free to the public
Information: (479) 855-6020 or bellavista-animalsh…
All dog breeds -- considered "wiener wannabes" -- will race for free and in small and large categories. The free to the public event will also include vendor booths, a dog costume contest and lunch available for purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
The shelter's mission "is to rescue and rehabilitate the homeless animals of the city of Bella Vista. We provide food, shelter and medical care for animals in need until they can be adopted into loving homes. These are animals that would otherwise be left to search for food and defend themselves against predators."
Dee Dee Matney, executive director, said the shelter takes in 600 to 700 animals each year and has a very high reclaim or adoption rate.
Starting gate and race sponsorships are available for $100 and $200, respectively.
-- CARIN SCHOPPMEYER
NAN Our Town on 09/13/2018