September 8th marked the 20th Wienerfest in Belfast, Maine. 1,100+ people attended with many adorable dachshunds. Once again, my team of volunteers and I ran the costume contest and doxie derby. Thank you to Jess, Erin, Lily, Drew and Jade for your help!
Thank you to our panel of costume judges which included Michelle, the PAWS Board President, Dorothy, the Belfast Chamber Director, Michelle from Pet Care by Lindsay and a charming young man named Colby who volunteered to assist. From the 32 contestants, the judges narrow it down to the top 3 and then the audience determines the winner based on their applause.
This year’s winner was 3-year-old Primrose from Limerick, ME who was dressed as “The Steamer Weenie Clam.” The runners up were Poppy from Belfast and Schatzie from Portland. Poppy is 10-years-old and her costume was “Poppy for President.” Her platform was “More Treats – More Meats!” Schatzie, a 1.5-year-old dachshund was a Hot Dog Vendor and her humans were dressed as hot dogs. All contestants were absolutely adorable as usual.
The Doxie Derby has 3 categories, the “minis” who are dachshunds under 12 lbs., the “standards” who are 12lbs and up and the “wannabes” who are non-dachshund contenders. This year’s winner of the mini races was 4-year-old Scout from Lebanon, ME. Scout triumphed in a close race off against last year’s mini and overall champ, Buti from Gorham. 7-year-old Moose from Freeport took home the trophy in the standard category and Evelyn a 1.5-year-old Chiweenie from Carmel was the wannabe winner. At the end Scout and Moose raced to determine the overall doxie champion. It was another close finish resulting in Moose being named the 2024 Wienerfest Doxie Derby Champ!
Wienerfest is a fundraiser for P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center (pawscares.org) based out of Camden. P.A.W.S. serves the communities of Appleton, Belmont, Camden, Rockport, Lincolnville, Belfast, Hope, Northport, Searsmont, Liberty, Islesboro and Swanville. Once they have been uploaded you will be able to view more photos on the Maine Wienerfest Facebook page or website mainewienerfest.com. Next year’s event will be held on September 7th so mark your calendars!
Photo Credit: Debra Bell, Bell’s Furry Friends Pet Photography, www.bffpetphotos.com
Costume Contest Finalists
Costume Champ - Primrose
Costume Runner-up - Poppy
Costume Runner-up - Schatzie
Steamer Weenie Clam
Doxie Champs & Petey
Evelyn - Wannabe Winner
Moose (rt.)- Standard & Overall Winner
Scout - Mini Winner