As the sun blazed over the hot pavement of Starkville, Mississippi’s Cotton District, hundreds of residents and visitors crowded around a small, fenced-in turf race track. The buzz of electrical generators powering countless food trucks and the chatter of excited spectators mingled in the air, creating a hum of anticipation. After milling through art markets and marveling at the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile, it was time for the main event: the weiner dog derby was about to commence.
The derby began with a traditional call to post, where the dogs made their way to the starting line of the track, waiting to be placed in the starting stalls by a bugler, Chris Loftis, a Mississippi State University Famous Maroon Band alumnus. This was followed by a blessing of the track from Tristan Stovall, parochial vicar of St. Joseph Catholic Church.
The race is open to dachshunds and dogs with similar characteristics, utilizing 50-foot tracks and divisions for puppies, adult dogs and senior competitors. This structure allows for broad participation.
The event has grown significantly over the last several years, attracting more racers and raising substantial funds for the Oktibeha County Humane Society. Lura Jordan, a member of the event committee, noted that the derby’s scale continues to grow annually.
“We had over 300 racers,” Jordan said. “Yeah, I think we’re looking at raising over $100,000 for the Humane Society.”
Throughout the years, the races have remained the focal point of the event, with dachshunds sprinting or occasionally wandering toward the finish line as spectators cheer them on. Top finishers receive awards such as gold weenie dog statues, while the overall winner receives a larger gold statue and a ceremonial rose wreath. The wreaths were supplied by The Flower Company, the event’s official florist, which also decorated the Wiener’s Circle VIP tent.
Amongst those receiving winning titles and gold weenie dog statues this year were representatives from Mama Justice, the Oktibbeha County Humane Society, the Student Association and others.
In addition to four-legged winners, derby royalty was also crowned. Event organizers named attorney Steven C. Adams the 2026 King of the Derby in recognition of their ongoing support for the community and the Humane Society. Adams has actively fostered animals and contributed significantly to the rehabilitation of a former bait dog in the shelter.
For longtime attendee David Maxedon, the derby has become a tradition. Maxedon, whose dachshund Toby competed in the inaugural race, returned this year after a brief absence.
“He was in the very first one, and we missed the last couple of years, but we brought him and his sister back this year,” Maxedon said. “It is incredible. The event has grown significantly. The diversity of dachshunds is remarkable; they are everywhere.”
The races were scored by the soundtrack of live music. Victor Furtado, a banjo player with the San Grisman Project, stated that performing at the derby differed from most shows.
“It was an extremely unique experience. We do not perform at events like this very often. It was really awesome,” Furtado said.
Furtado explained that the band was formed in Nashville and is rooted in collaboration.
“We are called the San Grisman Project. Sam started the band in Nashville, and I met him at a jam session after moving there, and he invited me to perform at some shows,” he said.
The attention given to the furry racers helped promote those who keep dogs like them safe and healthy. The derby emphasized the mission of the Oktibbeha County Humane Society, which offers low-cost spay-and-neuter services and affordable wellness care to reduce pet overpopulation and promote animal health in the community.
Special recognitions were included in the event. Andy, a seven-year-old dachshund from Starkville, was named the 2026 Pet Photo Contest winner, while Lil’ Max was selected as the Canine Grand Marshal.
With ongoing increases in attendance and participation, the Starkville Weenie Dog Derby remains a significant community event that integrates local business support and animal advocacy into a single day of celebration.
