Iron Horse promises full slate of activity

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It’s a 50-foot sometimes chaotic dash to greatness at the 2022 Weenie Dog Race at Mineola’s 2022 Iron Horse Heritage Festival on Saturday, Sept. 24 in historic downtown Mineola. But it also pays off for the winner - $200 for first place and bragging rights for a year.

The race is scheduled for 4 p.m. to culminate the day’s many events that include live music, a pie baking contest, performances from Dance Dimensions, food and beverage vendors, arts and crafts vendors, a watermelon eating contest, a corn hole tournament, a theatrical shoot out, Texas Exotic Animals, a live mural painting from Flint & Steel, a car show fundraiser for Caring and Sharing, a Rich O’Toole and band street dance to close the evening and more! 

Entry fees for the Weenie Dog Race are $20 for the first dog and $10 for each additional one. All dog owners must have shot records, and only true dachshund breeds are allowed to enter.

Other Iron Horse competitions include a pie baking contest with a $100 prize and recognition engraving on the chamber’s permanent and substantial trophy displayed in the chamber’s office on Broad St. Second and third-place winners receive a special event apron.

“Our business members in Mineola always step up to support this wonderful community event through their sponsorships and participation,” said Mary Boone, chamber president. “Leading the way as they often do is the Wood County Economic Development Commission, which provided funding that benefits county commerce. They are a great business partner.”  

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Among the current sponsors:

• Rail Baron Sponsor – Wood County Economic Development Commission

• Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad Sponsors – the City of Mineola, Christus Trinity Clinic of Mineola, City National Bank, the Wood County Monitor 

• Southern Pacific Railroad Sponsors – JT Tree Farm, First National Bank of East Texas, Sorelle Farms, Mineola Community Bank 

• International Railroad Sponsors – Bailey’s Ace Hardware, Mineola Iron and Metal, Bryan’s Cheesecakes

To become a sponsor or register for events, visit and download the forms at the chamber website – www.mineolachamber.org, visit the chamber office Tuesday through Saturday at 101 E. Broad St. or call 903-569-2087.