News
Look to this page for the latest news and updates for the Florida Wiener Dog Derby.
7/20/2010 - Exhibition races at Hammond Stadium a tremendous success - The exhibition races held after the Fort Myers Miracle Baseball game on July 10th were a great success and alot of fun. 16 dogs competed in a double elimination event after the game and a crowd of around 1200 stayed to watch the races and were very excited. Miracle officials were very pleased with the event and stated that the races were the most attended event following a Miracle game this year. Thanks to everyone that purchased tickets for the event and again thanks to those who came out and participated. Miracle officials will be sending us photos to display, so look for those real soon. Miracle officials also stated they are excited with working on future upcoming events with Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. We will keep you posted on any plans with the Miracle in the near future.
6/26/2010 - FLORIDA WIENER DOG DERBY INC. IN TALKS WITH THE CITY OF FORT MYERS ABOUT HOLDING AN OCTOBER RACE NEXT TO CITY OF PALMS PARK IN DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS - Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. is currently in talks with the City of Fort Myers about hosting a Wiener Dog race in October next to the City of Palms Park in Downtown Fort Myers in order to promote Downtown activities. Talks are ongoing at this time, however more information should be known by the first part of July. The City of Fort Myers is excited about working with the Florida Wiener Dog Derby as a way of promoting the Downtown River District Corridor. We will keep you posted on this exciting opportunity.
4/19/2010 - FLORIDA WIENER DOG DERBY INC. MAY 15TH EVENT AT HAMMOND STADIUM IS POSTPONED UNTIL SATURDAY JULY 10TH - Due to a prior scheduled event at Hammond Stadium for the Fort Myers Miracle Dog Days, exhibition racing will not be held on Saturday May 15th. It will instead be held on Saturday night July 10th. The event table which was scheduled for April 22nd will not take place. However an event table for the Florida Wiener Dog Derby will be set up on Saturday May 15th. The Florida Wiener Dog Derby as well as the Fort Myers Miracle apologize for any inconvience that may occur due to this scheduling conflict.
4/6/2010 - FLORIDA WIENER DOG DERBY INC. SIGNS ON WITH THE FORT MYERS MIRACLE TO RACE "UNDER THE LIGHTS" SATURDAY MAY 15TH AND JULY 10TH FOLLOWING FORT MYERS MIRACLE GAMES AT HAMMOND STADIUM - Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. is pleased to announce there will be wiener dog racing at Hammond Stadium on Saturday May 15th and again on Saturday July 10th following the Fort Myers Miracle's games. Exhibition racing will occur on the field in the main stadium immediately following the ballgame to promote the 2011 Florida Wiener Dog Derby. To register for an opportunity to race in one of these exciting exhibition races, please come to the Fort Myers Miracle's Dog Days event on Thursday April 22 at Hammond Stadium to register at the Florida Wiener Dog Derby event table. We look forward to seeing you there to offer you an opportunity to race "Under the Lights" at Hammond Stadium.
3/24/2010 - Florida Wiener Dog Derby announces race structure - The inagural running of the Florida Wiener Dog Derby will hold Divsional and Masters racing in the following order at North Fort Myers Derby Downs on Sunday March 28:
1) Puppy division - Preliminary round
2) Old School division - Preliminary round
3) Adult division - Preliminary round
4) Puppy division - Quarter final round(s)
5) Old School division - Quarter final round(s)
6) Adult division - Quarter final round(s)
7) Puppy division - Semi-final round
8) Old School division - Semi-final round
9) Adult division - Semi - final round
10) Masters division - Preliminary round
11) Masters division - Quarter final round(s)
12) Masters division - Semi-final round
13) Puppy division - Final
14) Adult division - Final
15) Old School division - Final
16) Masters division - Final for the coveted "Wien Jacket"
3/22/2010 - Texas Chapter of the Florida Wiener Dog Derby formed - Those folks out in Lakeway, Texas are at it again. Not only are these folks the greatest group of people to hang around with, they also have been designated as the official Texas Chapter of the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. Christy, Jeff, Greg, and Renee have been extremely influential in the forming and creating of the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. We want to say thanks for the photo, which is on the photo page. You guys were meant to wear those shirts!!!!
3/22/2010 - North Fort Myers Derby Downs to be tarped in the event of rain - In the event there is any rain prior to or the day of racing action at North Fort Myers Derby Downs, the Shell Factory will supply The Florida Wiener Dog Derby with a tarp to place over the racing venue. This would allow the track to remain dry during any rain that may occur and that racing may take place when the rain is over. As of this date, the 6 day weather forecast calls for a partly cloudy day around 80 degrees with a 30% chance of rain. Weather updates will be posted daily on the home page.
3/21/2010- Mike Cannizzaro, drummer and vocalist, who has performed with rock legend Ricky Medlock of Lynyrd Skynyrd to perform National Anthem at Florida Wiener Dog Derby -The Florida Wiener Dog Derby is pleased to announce vocalist and drummer Mike Cannizzaro, who has performed with rock legend Ricky Medlock of Lynyrd Skynyrd, will perform the National Anthem during pre-race ceremonies at the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. Mike has a singing quality that is sure to amaze you. We are extremely lucky and very proud to have a world class performer of Mike's caliber perform for us in our initial year. We know you will enjoy this very special treat.
3/20/2010 - Florida Wiener Dog Derby has feature article in Cape Coral Breeze Lifestyles section - The Florida Wiener Dog Derby was featured in the Lifestyle Section of this morning's Cape Coral Breeze. The article included Florida Wiener Dog Derby President Doug Dailey and Tex, who loves to mug for the cameras. The Florida Wiener Dog Derby would like to thank staff writer Andrea Galabinski for the fine article about how the derby was formed and for the positive feedback we have already received from this article.
3/19/2010 - Florida Wiener Dog Derby President Doug Dailey Interviews with Amy Lynn on WOLZ Oldies 95.3 - Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. President Doug Dailey interviewed with Amy Lynn of WOLZ Oldies 95.3 this afternoon about the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. Listen to WOLZ Oldies 95.3 on Monday or Tuesday March 22nd or 23rd for the entire interview. Amy will be bringing her dog to race in the event and will also be a guest announcer for one of the races at the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. The Florida Wiener Dog Derby would like to thank Amy and the staff at WOLZ Oldies 95.3 for their time and the interview.
3/13/2010 - Amazing Prizes to be Raffled at Florida Wiener Dog Derby - Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. has received some very special prizes to be raffled at the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. Local businesses have been kind enough to donate some spectacular items for our raffle to be held during the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. Some items include a beautiful dog bed furnished by Metropolis Iron Works a $350 value, a $175 gift certificate from K9'scome1st training academy for obedience or flyball training, a 2 day 2 night stay at the Best Western Riverfront in North Fort Myers valued at over $225, a buffet/sightseeing cruise for 2 courtesy of J.C. Cruises, specialty dog items courtesy of Bark Avenue located in downtown Fort Myers, a basket full of doggie goodies from Dog Days Delight Boarding Bakery and Boutique in Cape Coral as well as a gift certificate for a free grooming, and 4 large one-topping pizzas from our friends at Pizza T'rific located at Old-41 and Pondella road in North Fort Myers. These are just a few things to mention that are available. Tickets for the raffle will be available on race day and at the pre-race party.
3/10/2010 - Florida Wiener Dog Derby exceeds 100 official entrants - The Florida Wiener Dog Derby has officially entered 112 wiener dogs for racing as of this date. The response for the Florida Wiener Dog Derby has far exceeded our original expectations and we just want to say, "Thank You" to all of you that are making the Florida Wiener Dog Derby a premier event in it's first year. We would also like to say, "Thank You" for all the kind remarks and compliments we have received and your enthusiasm for this event.
3/8/2010 - Confirmation letters are in the mail - For all of those that have already pre-registered for the Florida Wiener Dog Derby, the confirmation letters are in the mail and you should have them within a couple of days. Please bring the confirmation letter with you to the pre-registration desk on race day as this confirms your shot records and payment are on file.
3/6/2010 - Florida Wiener Dog Derby to hold pre-registration at Oktoberfest in March event at Shell Factory and Discount Pets in Cape Coral - The Florida Wiener Dog Derby will have pre-registration tables available at the Oktoberfest in March event at the Shell Factory on Saturday March 13 from 12p-6p and again on Saturday March 20 at Discount Pets located on Hancock Bridge Parkway in Cape Coral just east of Santa Barbara Blvd from 10a-2p. Come on out to pre-register for the Florida Wiener Dog Derby at these two locations and receive pre-March 10 entry fee pricing just for coming by to say Hi.
3/4/2010 - Let's get together for a pre-race party at Dogbones Cafe - Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. along with the Shell Factory welcome you to a meet and greet pre-race party at Dogbones Cafe located on the grounds of the Shell Factory on Saturday March 27, 2010 from 5pm-8pm. Meet the members of the Florida Wiener Dog Derby as well as Shell Factory representatives and sponsors who have made this event possible. Bring your dog, as this is a pet friendly cafe. We would like to meet all of you in person and offer you a personal tour of "North Fort Myers Derby Downs". Pre-race registration will be on site. Florida Wiener Dog Derby "The Tradition Begins" and new event T-shirts will be available at the pre-race party. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at Dogbones cafe. So come on out and lets have some fun. We look forward to seeing you at the Florida Wiener Dog Derby pre-race party.
3/4/2010 - Florida Wiener Dog Derby Event T-shirts - Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. will unveil a newly designed event T-shirt at the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. T-shirts will be available in kids and adult sizes. Tank Tops will also be available. The cost of the event shirt will be $15. We truly hope you will support the Florida Wiener Dog Derby for years to come by purchasing a Florida Wiener Dog Derby event T-shirt for you and the entire family.
3/4/2010 - Grace Methodist Church PAWS ministry to conduct blessing of the Dogs - Grace Methodist Church Pets Are Working Saints (PAWS) ministry will conduct a blessing of the dogs at the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. PAWS administrator Misti St. Pierre will conduct the blessing for all animals attending the event. This is a truly special offering from the members of the Grace Methodist Church, and we sincerely hope that all pet owners partake in this very special event. A portion of the proceeds raised from the Florida Wiener Dog Derby will go to the Pets Are Working Saints ministry of the Grace Methodist Church to support this very meaningful service to the community.
2/27/2010 - Mixed Breeds - Several questions have come to our attention concerning mixed breeds racing in the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. A meeting of the competion and rules committee was held this morning, and it was determined that mixed breeds would not be eligible to participate in the actual racing. This determination was made due to the possibility of a racing advantage some mixed breeds may hold and the continuity of the event in future years. We apologize by not addressing this issue at an earlier stage, however as this is an inaugural event we are learning some things as we go, with this issue being one of them. Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. feels by addressing the issue at this time, it solidifies the standards of the racing criteria for years to come. Again, we truly apologize to those that have contacted us with questions regarding mixed breeds and appreciate your understanding regarding this issue.
2/27/2010 - K9sCome1st Daycare and Training Academy will hold demonstrations at The Florida Wiener Dog Derby - Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. is proud to announce that K9s Come 1st Daycare and Training Academy have signed on with the Florida Wiener Dog Derby to hold Flyball and Obedience demonstrations at the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. K9s Come 1st Daycare and Training Academy is well respected in the Southwest Florida area as a quality daycare and training facility. The Florida Wiener Dog Derby is grateful to have such a respected leader in the obedience and daycare field join with us in this event. For information on K9s Come 1st, check out their website at www.k-9scome1st.com.
2/11/2010 - Florida Wiener Dog Derby expecting huge turnout - The response for the Florida Wiener Dog Derby to this date has exceeded everyone's initial expectations. With our official media campaign to start on Monday February 15, the Florida Wiener Dog Derby has already received commitments from several people without formal news coverage. Entrants from throughout the state from as far as Boca Raton, to Orlando have expressed interest and have made commitments to the race. We have even received interest from Columbus, Ohio, where a vacation trip to the Florida Wiener Dog Derby is being planned. This would make our initial year a true national event. With the tremendous out pouring of support and commitments, we are strongly encouraging Pre-registration at this time. With the limited time schedule we may either have to add preliminary race heats or place a cap on race entrants. The latter is not what we want to do, as we want everyone to be able to race. With pre-race registration we will be able to avoid a race cap and make sure everyone gets a chance to participate. So please if you are considering racing, now is the time to act and get those pre-race registration forms in. We at Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. appreciate your understanding and look forward to a day of great fun and racing.
2/3/2010 - Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. signs Chill-Will DJ for Florida Wiener Dog Derby - Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. is proud to announce that it has signed Chill-Will DJ to play the hits at the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. Chill-Will is a well respected DJ within the Southwest Florida and Boston, Massachusetts areas, and promises to bring to the Florida Wiener Dog Derby a top quality sound and entertainment. Looking for a DJ for weddings or special events? Go to www.chillwill.com, you'll be glad you did.
1/31/2010 - Shell Factory Gumbofest - We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the great time we had at the Shell Factory Gumbofest and the new friends we made. We appreciate the positive response and the many people who came by our display pre-registration area. With the response we had, we feel this event is well on the way to becoming a Southwest Florida Tradition. We look forward to receiving your pre-registrations and seeing everyone again at "The Florida Wiener Dog Derby".
1/23/2010 -Miami Beach Winterfest - Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone we had the pleasure to meet at the Miami Beach Dachshund Winterfest. We enjoyed speaking with everyone and are very appreciative of the positive response we received about the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. We look forward to seeing you again at the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. Again, if you have any questions about the race or race registration, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help.
Handicap Races - We have received inquiries from owners who would like to have their handicapped dog(s) participate in the Florida Wiener Dog Derby. We more than welcome handicapped dogs to participate. At this time we are including handicapped dogs to run in the Old School division. Handicapped dogs are also eligible for the Masters division as well. A "Challenger" division will be added if there becomes a need for a separate division to accommodate our special little friends.
Are you interested in a sponsorship at the Florida Wiener Dog Derby? Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. is a non-profit organization run solely on donations and sponsorships. Sponsorships and donations are graciously accepted as they support the Florida Wiener Dog Derby and allow us to run a fun-filled family event. We have sponsorship packages available that will fit any budget. Sponsorship packages start at only $25. If you would like to become a Florida Wiener Dog Derby sponsor or donor, please refer to our contacts page and send us an e-mail or give us a call. We will gladly meet with you to discuss our sponsorship packages that are available or to accept your personal donation. Become part of North Fort Myers history, become part of the "Florida Wiener Dog Derby".