The people of Marietta buzz with excitement as 130 wiener dogs of all ages, shapes, mixes and colors strut from Armory Park to Muskingum Park. 

In a stylish parade, the pups show off their costumes to inaugurate the Marietta Main Street Dachshund Derby in Washington County on Oct. 19, 2024.  

A Dachshund being pushed in a stroller at the Dachshund Derby in Marietta, Ohio. Photo by Jessica Horner

After the parade, they hit the races, competing in one of five categories, closing with a mixed-breed race:  

  1. Lil Smokies (puppy-1 year) 
  2. Frankfurters (2-3 years) 
  3. Bratwurst (4-5 years) 
  4. Schnitzel (6-8 years)  
  5. Knockwurst (9+ years old) 
Heater Cox Ellison with her whiter wiener dog Slinky Dinky Doo. Slinky Dinky Doo placed first in the mixed breed race, at the Dachshund Derby in Marietta, Ohio on October 19, 2024. Photo by Jessica Horner

In addition to racing, contests such as best costume, longest dog, shortest legs and more are held inside small businesses in downtown Marietta. Jen Tinkler, Marietta Main Street’s executive director, says the goal of the Dachshund Derby is to bring people to the surrounding shops and restaurants, showcasing what the area has to offer.   

The $5 entrance fee supports Marietta Main Street, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the historic downtown.   

“With everything we do, our mission is to bring people downtown to enjoy, enhance and preserve downtown Marietta,” Tinkler says. The derby collaborated with the Humane Society of the Mid-Ohio Valley, encouraging people to give donations, pet food or even adopt a furry friend.   

Costumes include hot dogs, spiders, cartoon characters, sports fans and more. The first Dachshund Derby delights old and converted Dachshund fanatics, leaving smiles as wide as a wiener dog.