by JEN BIUNDO
The wieners will run for the roses this weekend in Buda. (Photo by Jen Biundo)
With a theme of “The Wiener of Oz,” the crowds at this weekend’s wiener dog races won’t literally be able to sail over the rainbow. But the sky will still be the limit.
On Sunday, $5 hot air balloon rides at Buda City Park will offer soaring views of hundreds of racing dachshunds at the popular annual festival, now in its 13th year.
“We’re just so excited to be able to offer something new for the citizens of Buda to try,” said councilmember and Lion’s Club organizer Cathy Chilcote. “There will be lots to do, lots of wiener dogs and lots of friendly folks.”
Along with two days of races, the festival will offer a barbeque and baking cook-off, craft vendors, music and children’s games.
So far, more than 400 dachshunds have been registered to run for the roses, with dozens more expected to sign up at the festival. Every year, nearly 15,000 wiener dog enthusiasts descend on Buda from throughout Texas and the U.S.
After two years of cold and rainy wiener dog races, organizers are happy to see a forecast of sunny skies with highs in the lower 80s for the weekend.
“This is an exciting year,” Chilcote said. “We’re looking forward to a no-weather scenario.”
This year there will be no parking on the festival grounds. Parking will be offered at Cabela’s sporting goods store, with a shuttle bus to the park, for $5 to benefit local charities.
13th Annual Buda Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races
• 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, April 24; and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, April 25
• Buda City Park
• Parking and shuttle bus at Cabela’s, $5
