Weenie dogs returning to highlight Iron Horse

 It’s a 50-foot sometimes chaotic dash to greatness at the 2024 Dominoes Weenie Dog Race at Mineola’s Iron Horse Heritage Festival on Saturday, Sept. 28 in historic downtown Mineola. But it also pays off for the winner - $200 for first place and bragging rights for a year. Blueberry Ridge Farm, Grays Nursery, Reel Inn Lodge, Tarry Title and Tyler Type 1 are 2024 weenie gate sponsors.

Entry fees for the Weenie Dog Race are $25 for the first dog and a $5 discount for each additional one. All dog owners must have shot records, and only true dachshund breeds are allowed to enter.

The race is scheduled for 3 p.m. to culminate the day’s many events that include pie baking and watermelon eating contests, food and beverage vendors, arts and crafts vendors, live music by Todd Brewer and Cody Norman, a performance by Dance Dimensions, a theatrical train robbery, a motorcycle show and rescue demonstrations.

Sponsors have stepped up big in 2024, led by new sponsor Union Pacific Railroad and annual supporters Wood County Economic Development Commission, the city of Mineola, UT Health, Christus Health, Whataburger and Bears Lake Ready Golf Carts.

The Mineola Fire Department will have two demonstrations – a vehicle extrication featuring the “jaws of life” and small simulated house fire hose activity.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, including that of the Iron Horse title sponsor. 

For a full schedule of events, to become a vendor sponsor or register for one of the events, visit and download the entrant forms at the Chamber website – www.mineolachamber.org or visit the Chamber office – open Tuesday through Saturday – at 101 E. Broad Street or call 903-569-2087.