BELFAST — The day was warm and sunny for the 17th annual Wienerfest in Belfast, and the mood around 1 p.m. was relaxed. Doxies milling with wannabe-doxies, and many owners talking amongst each other, as the wee ones played. 

Though most of the day was relaxed, there were several events that stirred up hoots and yells of encouragement from gathered crowds. That event, the Doxie Derby, was one of the day’s most popular, when crowds gather round the race course, peering in as doxies are lined up in a racing box, before being released to run towards their owners.

The owners sat crouched at the far end of the course, each willing their doxies forward with streams of praise and direction. The methods were met with different outcomes, some of dogs ran to their owners, while some ran straight out of the racing area. The runaway doxies were often caught by giggling children and audience members. 

As with every year, the smiles are more important than any one winner, and in that way, every attendee, four legged or two, took home a smile or two and a Sunday afternoon well spent. 

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com