By Kim Hilsenbeck.

This year’s Wiener Dog Races in Buda marks 17 years of this quirky, unique dog-lovers’ event. With the theme, “Dog Dynasty,” expect to see pet costumes and accoutrements in keeping with the festival’s over-the-top nature.

Wiener Dogs aside, the event offers something for everyone, including two-legged creatures of the tiny variety. Enjoy bouncy houses and inflatable slides, an obstacle course, train rides and more. A free fishing pond will be available during the event. Activities such as rock climbing, a petting zoo and a quad bungee have an additional cost.

Don’t miss the pet parade Saturday at 9 a.m. (registration begins at 8 a.m.), along with the opening ceremony (9:15 a.m.), the races (beginning at 10:30 a.m.), a washer tournament (11 a.m.), a spelling bee (3 p.m.) and cook-off awards (5:30 p.m.) 

On Saturday, the Buda Lions will offer free vision screening for children ages 6 mos. to 60 mos. Sunday brings more races (at 10:30 a.m.) and the bake-off awards and auction (12:30 and 1 p.m., respectively). Also enjoy live music and performances by local dance troupes on both days of the festival.

Parking is charged per car and a free round-trip shuttle from the Cabela’s parking lot runs from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. each day. There is also a gate admission fee. City ordinance prohibits side street and downtown parking during special events. Handicapped parking is available on Garison Rd. near City Park.

All proceeds benefit the Buda Lions Club, a nonprofit charitable organization that offers scholarships and other funding to local schools and students. The group also operates Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville for children with physical disabilities and those with diabetes.