News

Firecracker Wiener Nationals Race Draws New Fans to Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach, OR. Rules for this race include, “no running alongside, throwing treats or toys, or creating a trail of bacon bits!” It was the 15th Annual Firecracker Wiener Nationals in Rockaway Beach. Organizers say the July 4th event drew more people and raised more donations for the Tillamook Animal Shelter than in previous years. Held in Sea View City Park, the races featured 8 heats and over 50 wiener dogs running their little legs down the course. One participant named Stella, seen above was cheered on at the starting gate by volunteer, Isabel Klein.

Chad Carter and Eli Newell organize and emcee the races. They say, “Our first priority is fun, and our other first priority is raising money for a good cause.”

The dachshund, also known as the wiener dog, is a short-legged, long-bodied, hound-type dog breed. The dog may be smooth-haired, wire-haired, or long-haired. Registration for each dog was a suggested $5 donation.

Rules include: Dogs may be tossed at the starting line, but they must touch the course at least once before the finish line. No “full court” dog tossing.

A long-haired dachshund named Moe was the big winner of the 2022 race.

Here’s more information about the races:

It’s simple. You just have to show up at the races from Noon to 1pm and Register your dog at the Registration Tent.

Please help us get started on time by registering as close to Noon as you can.

After that, your dog will be assigned a heat in our tournament. Then it’s up to your dog’s giant heart and his tiny little legs.

We’ll keep racing until one dog is crowned the Firecracker Grand Champion.

There is a suggested donation of $5 for race registration.

Non-Wiener Dogs:

We don’t do a tournament for non-wieners. But bring your drag basset or nitro-powered labrador to compete in one of our “All Dog” races. It’s just for fun, but the sight of a dozen yorkies barelling toward the finish line is its own reward.

Other than that, the process is the same. Register at the Registration Tent on the day of the event. Registration is open from Noon to 1pm.

There is a suggested donation of $5 for race registration.

The Rules

Our first priority is fun, and our other first priority is raising money for a good cause. But a sense of fair play goes a long way toward everyone having a great afternoon. With that in mind, we just have a few simple rules.

Have fun.
Don’t ruin anyone else’s fun.
Nothing on or over the course except the dogs themselves.That means no running alongside, throwing treats or toys, or creating a trail of bacon bits.
If it looks like a dachshund, it’s a dachshund.If your dog looks like a short german shepherd or a dachshund with a pug face, we will gladly register you in the all-breed race. That being said, please let us pet your dachshund with a pug face.
Dogs may be tossed at the starting line, but they must touch the course at least once before the finish line.No “full court” dog tossing.
When in doubt, talk to us.If something happens that makes the event less than fun, tell the emcees as soon as possible. We’ll try our best to make it right.

DID YOU MISS OUT ON GETTING YOUR FIRECRACKER WIENER NATIONAL GEAR THIS YEAR?

Great News! We’re now selling merchandise year-round. And as always, all profits go to the TIllamook Animal Shelter and help support their vital work.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.