Oktoberfest Features Wiener Dog Races

Oktoberfest is in full swing at Old World Village in Huntington Beach, which is also home to dachshund races sponsored by the Paws at the Coffee Mill's Doggie Bow-tique. Each Sunday at 3 p.m., sausage-shaped dogs from California and beyond compete.

"We have been hosting this race for 17 years," said Inge McKellop, the owner of Paws at the Coffee Mill store. "During Oktoberfest, we usually have about 40 dogs competing each Sunday." For those who miss the races during Oktoberfest, races are also held from January to September on the third Sunday of the month.

Admission is $2 per person. Purchase tickets at the Paws store and admission to Oktoberfest is included. Admission is $5 at the door.  The races are held on a 20-yard cobblestone track in the courtyard of Festival Hall. Parking is free. Arrive early for the best seats.

Those interested in entering their dog in the race can pre-register on the store's website. The entry fee is $16, payable by credit card.  Check-in is at 2:30 p.m.

"Every wiener is a winner," Inge said. "And each dog receives a ribbon with that saying on it." All runners also are awarded a prize. The top three dogs win a trophy and a gift certificate to the Paws store. The rest get a bag of treats. During Oktoberfest, the nine top scoring dogs each week will come back for a final race to be run on Oct. 30 after the regular 3 p.m. race. A special trophy will be awarded to the top dog.