The American Legion Wiener Dog Nationals held in Savage, Minnesota are fast becoming some of the city’s most anticipated events. Digger, a.k.a. Tom Anderson, is the ringleader behind the races and master of ceremonies as well. As Event Coordinator at the Dan Patch American Legion Post 643 and proud guardian of two Dachshunds, he thought the races would be a fun event for their veteran members, while raising some money for a worthy cause—Dachshund rescue. Their first race, held in October, 2008, was attended by 25 wieners and 50 spectators. They now have races and hurdles both spring and fall, and last year found racers travelling from as far as Wisconsin and Iowa. On Sunday May 22, 2011, the Dan Patch American Legion Post 643 will host the 2011 Savage American Legion Wiener Dog Spring Nationals. They are planning for 75 wieners and 300 spectators, and will be serving hot dogs and bratwurst trackside. The track is surrounded by straw bales donated by a local nursery, Cal’s Market, and enclosed with fencing to keep the wieners in check. With any luck, this year’s participants will be as raucous as last year’s racers, whose rowdiness is evidenced by the following photos.

Click the link below to see the gallery of photos:
moderndogmagazine.com/gallery/wiener-dog-nationals