WHAT THE DERBY IS

The Cutest Race You’ll Ever Take Seriously

Welcome to the inaugural GRRROWLER’S Dachshund Derby, part of The Shacks’ Summer Kickoff — a full-day, dog-friendly festival built around one thing:

Short legs. Big speed. Serious bragging rights.

We’re bringing together 100 racing dogs, local vendors, craft beer, and a high-energy crowd for a one-of-a-kind community event designed to:

  • Celebrate dachshunds (and their “pretender” friends)

  • Support local dog rescues

  • Create a signature annual event for The Colony

This isn’t just a race — it’s a festival atmosphere with purpose, built for spectators, racers, and partners alike.

THE RACES

How the Derby Works

The GRRROWLER’S Dachshund Derby features single-elimination racing across four divisions:

  • 🐶 Puppy Division (0–1 year)

  • 🐾 Adult Division (1–8 years)

  • 👴 Senior Division (9+ years)

  • 🎭 Pretenders Division (all other breeds — just for fun)

What to expect:

  • ~50 ft straight sprint races

  • Two-handler format (start + finish)

  • Safe, enclosed lanes with clear crowd separation

  • Live leaderboard tracking fastest times

Final Awards Ceremony (end of day):

  • Division Champions

  • ⚡ Lightning Ween (fastest overall time)

  • 🐢 Slowest Weener

  • 📏 Longest Ween

  • 🏆 Golden Weener (raffle winner)

👉 All awards are held at the end to keep the energy high all day.

THE EXPERIENCE

More Than a Race — A Full Summer Kickoff

This event is part of The Shacks Summer Kickoff, meaning your race day experience includes:

  • Craft beer from GRRROWLER’S

  • Food + vendors curated by The Shacks

  • Dog-friendly activities throughout the property

  • Live, high-energy race atmosphere

Expect a festival feel with constant movement, entertainment, and engagement — not just a one-hour race.