PRESS RELEASE – June 5, 2026
“2026 Festival of Wieners” coming to Vergas Looney Days on August 1
The Vergas Community Club, in conjunction with the NWDRA, (National Wiener Dog Racing Association,) has announced that Dachshund racing will return to Vergas on Saturday, August 1st at 9:00AM during the village’s annual Looney Days celebration.
This fun family activity is returning to Looney Days again this year, and we are honored to be named this year’s host of the “2026 Festival of Wieners at Looney Days.” Vergas held their first wiener dog race in 2013, and this popular Looney Days tradition continues for yet another year! Our appreciation goes out to Forest Edge Gallery of Vergas who is continuing their annual sponsorship of the race.
The races will be held on the turf at the Vergas baseball field beginning at 9:00am, with registration and practice beginning at 8:00. It is recommended that you pre-register your wiener by mailing the form available on the Facebook page “2026 Festival of Wieners at Looney Days,” or at www.vergascommunityclub.com. The races will conclude by 11 to enable everyone to participate in the other fun events during Looney Daze.
Spectator viewing improvements continue this year!!! As our race has grown in popularity, we continue working to improve the seating and viewing areas. The popularity of our 10 level, 45 foot long bleacher seating has been so overwhelming that we now have 4 sets of bleachers surrounding three sides of the track in a horseshoe configuration. Coupled with ground seating for the kids WE CAN NOW PROVIDE SEATING FOR OVER 2,000 SPECTATORS!!! Kids of all ages can sit on the ground while watching the races (blankets suggested) without grownups blocking their view! No need to haul your lawn chair, we have comfortable seating for everyone!
We have made several new improvements this year, including a “racers staging area.” This large area located behind the starting line will be reserved for racers and their handlers. This will reduce the idle time between races, and will enable all racers and their owners to have smooth and easy access to the race track.
Also new to our race will be a “breeders area” that will enable those that are interested to talk to someone about purchasing a dachshund puppy. The Humane Society of the Lakes will also be represented, giving you the option to “adopt a pet” from our local rescue. Additionally, prior to the race our National Anthem will be performed by the Heart O’Lakes Harmony Men’s Capella Chorus!
We are expecting upwards of 100 racers this year, topping our previous record of 83 registrations set last year. Many families plan their Otter Tail lakes area vacation around Looney Days weekend! No racing experience is necessary, as the racers often decide that socializing is more important than speed. The race will be about 100’ long, and each racer will need 2 human “pit crew” members; one each at the start and finish lines. Although most racers are full bred dachshunds, we do allow other small breeds to join in the fun. In the spirit of wiener dog racing, entering of larger dogs and longer legged dogs is discouraged. Complete rules are provided on race day.
Spectator admission is free. Racer entry fee is $20 per dog, or $30 per race family (2 or more racers.)
For more information visit our Facebook pages “2026 Festival of Wieners at Looney Days,” or contact Digger Anderson at 763-370-9796 or digsisme@gmail.com.