Dachshunds, German cuisine, polka music highlight Oktoberfest at Starlight Ranch

Editor’s note: Nell Williams is a member of Amarillo SPCA and is involved in the Wiener Dog Races.

For the second year, Wiener Dog Races will draw an enthusiastic, loyal crowd at Starlight Ranch, at 6 p.m. Saturday as part of festivities for Oktoberfest 2023. Half of the earnings will go to Amarillo SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) to help with upkeep for the nonprofit animal group’s shelter.

Mary Ramirez, Amarillo SPCA Board member and Top Dog of the Wiener Dog Race said, “We were invited to be in charge of the first Wiener Dog Race last year in October. We didn’t really know what we were getting into, and we had a long list of rules. But once the event started taking place, we just threw out the rules, let the dogs run in several brackets and had fun. Everyone had such a good time and the dogs were so funny that participants and onlookers were cheering and laughing. It became the hit of the event. So, of course we were delighted to be in charge of the event this year and have implemented changes to make it better.”

This year, the emcee for the event will be Drew Powell, a KVII multimedia journalist. Ramirez said the race entrants signed up online and categories are full, but those interested in watching the show can come to Starlight Ranch, buy a ticket to get in and support the Amarillo Police Officer’s Association (PAC) and Amarillo SPCA.

Paul and Chrissy Deande, last year's winners with their dog, Buns, were so thrilled with the event that they signed up to compete again.

Everyone can enjoy the antics of the low-riding wiener dogs. The races will begin a 6 p.m., so people need to have their places secured on the sidelines before then. This year, the event will be at the grassy side of the smaller pavilion to the south of the main office.

First prize will be a $50 certificate to Wienerschitzel and a $20 certificate to Yellow City Pets, a $20 certificate to Sonic and other gifts. Other prizes will be offered to the top four winners placing first through fourth. All entrants will receive a gift bag of goodies.

Dachshund loyalists are rabid about their love of the breed. Lovers of the dogs say they are lively, playful, clever and a little stubborn. The popular breed was once favored by Queen Victoria. They can be smooth haired, wire haired or longhaired. They were bred to scent, chase and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling creatures. In fact, "dachs" means badger and "hund" means dog.

More than 30 dog entrees have been tallied to make for a fun and eventful event with the entertaining dogs running every direction at times and the crowd cheering them on. A special starting gate has been built for the dogs, which will open when they are “supposed” to run. Each heat or race will feature four dogs.

The final event will be held for the four winners to determine the Top Wiener. Top winners will receive prizes, including gift cards from Wienerschnitzel, one of the sponsors.

"Last year was such a huge success that we had to have another one,” said Starlight Ranch owner Bobby Lee. “We were surprised at the turnout and very happy because it’s also an event to back Amarillo Police Officer’s Association (PAC) fund and Amarillo SPCA. There is a large German heritage community in Amarillo, Umbarger, Dawn and other area communities that keep their traditions alive, including a love for the dachshund breed."

The overall Oktoberfest event will be from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Starlight Ranch Event Center, located at 1415 Sunrise Drive. The festival will include an authentic Bavarian atmosphere, complete with the rich flavors of cold German beer and the warm aroma of freshly baked pretzels.

Amarillo police officers will be on hand cooking food for guests. The German dinner pays homage to the rich German culture and recipes while the lively polka band plays in the background. Authentic German sausages, German style potato salad and tangy sauerkraut make for the perfect German culinary experience. Paired with German beers and Texas sized Bavarian pretzels, the Oktoberfest experience is complete.

Many of the patrons dressed in German outfits last year to enhance the complete experience of the festival.

The Polkatimers, a spirited, dynamic band that blends traditional polka songs with modern music will present the entertainment. Their music is described as having toe-tapping rhythms done with infectious energy. They have earned a reputation as a crowd favorite, transporting audiences to the heart of Bavaria while keeping the party alive.

Admission that includes the meal and festivities is $20, or $5 without the meal.

For more information, go to starlightranch.com or https://www.prekindle.com/event/83153-amarillo-octoberfest-live-music-by-the-polkatimers-amarillo.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Dachshunds, German cuisine and music highlight Oktoberfest