1. City of Mansfield Wurst Fest 2017
Weiner Dog Races
Event Recap
Event Summary:
A popular sporting event originally held in Australia, currently featured in North America,
strictly for fun.
Team:
Mansfield Activities Center
Goal:
To have Dachshund owners enter their dogs into a fun race in an organized and safe environment
at a family friendly event.
Duties Performed:
Set up sound system equipment
Post heat assignment posters
Post “Schedule of Events” posters
Prepare laptops and tablets for registration
Personal Assignment:
Assure each owner and dog was properly registered into the system in order to participate
in the race.
Inform owners of race information and schedule of events
Guide owners and dogs during the pre-race parade
Assist team members with the organization of owners and racers
Participate in the clean-up process after all activity and races are complete
Determine start and finish lines using sidewalk chalk
Event Activation:
Registration forms were on site for participants wanting to register on the day of.
A computer/tablet was provided for those individuals wanting to register on site. A
portable wifi connection was brought to connect to the internet while at the booth.
A cash box was located on site containing $150. This was available for those needing
change when registering dogs into the race.
Speakers were available for music during the pre-registration stages of the event. The
microphone was used during the actual parade and during the dog races.
A small kiddie pool was filled with 10 gallons of water located inside the fence. Water
was used for the dogs to cool off while waiting for their race and also available after the
race was over.
The Nikon camera was used to take pictures of the set up as well as the dogs with their
owners.
2. 2x3 sized laminated posters were in place for the public to view heat assignments and
race winners.
Colored bandanas were used to color coordinate the dogs during their particular race.
Evaluation of Execution:
The fence layout was ideal. It kept racers and owners segregated from onlookers.
Enclosure also shielded unleashed dogs from running away after their race was over.
Speakers for the area were a hit. It created an inviting atmosphere for both kids and
adults. Additionally, being so far away from other vendors and booths, it created curiosity
for individuals to come by and visit.
The various bandanas used during the races were extremely helpful when determining the
winner for each heat during each race.
After the races were finished and team members were given a chance to think about the event,
we came up with a few things that could possibly improve for upcoming dog races.
Lessons Learned:
It is important to start at the time that is expected. Crowds and guests look forward to
wienie dog races, and starting any earlier expedites the races, not allowing those
interested to view the race.
Clip boards during the registration process should be used for participants to complete
registration forms away from the table area.
The registration form should include a space for the owners date of birth to enter into the
system correctly.
Bleachers would be the ideal area for spectators. This would allow more room for
owners, racers and workers to maneuver around the race area
Registration cut off time would be helpful when getting ready for the parade and races to
start. Allowing additional racers to enter into the race minutes before causes rushed
confusion.
Announcements from a radio vendor or Main Street would be fitting. It would allow
listeners and event attendants to have an additional source platform
If bleachers are not an option, stanchions surrounding the entrance and exit pathways
would be useful. It would guard the area for participating guests and staff only.
A longer and/wider race track would provide additional space and mobility for the
owners, staff and racers.
Generator should be available for audio and equipment.
Additional Suggestions:
Since area is caged off, space should be used as a watering hole for visiting dogs after
races are complete.
