The Muleskinner’s coverage continued along the “Missouri River Runner” in Hermann, Missouri. On March 21-23, Hermann hosted the 44th annual Wurstfest, a celebration of the town’s German heritage. The festival included professional and amateur sausage-making competitions, Kraut-making classes, and German dancing and music. 

  “We had some local people who decided they wanted to continue to educate people about our German culture, and really, making sausages goes way back to our German heritage from when the settlers came over from Germany in 1836,” Tourism and Economic Development Director of Hermann Tammy Bruckerhoff said.  

  The Weiner Dog Derby was the final event of Wurstfest and took place on March 23 at 2 p.m. in Hermann City Park. Competitions included races, costumes, talent shows and awards for the shortest, longest, tallest and most squat wiener dog.

  “Every year we come and just hope for the best,” said Jessica Cayton, whose dogs Luna and Lilith won second and third place, respectively, in the races. “Usually, they do pretty good in one race and complete chaos in another race.” This was Cayton’s third time attending the derby.

  Despite a rainy morning, a large crowd gathered for the afternoon derby. According to Bruckerhoff, people from all over the Midwest travel to attend Wurstfest. 

  “If you see the numbers that came out, it’s pretty amazing,” said Wiener Dog Derby Chair Lisa Stevens. “Most of them are locals. But if you look at the participants, the contestants, they’re coming from St. Louis, Kansas City, we have somebody from Garden City, Kansas, and a lot of Columbia people.”

  According to many of the participants, the Wiener Dog Derby was a family-friendly environment. Samantha Tartamella, a visitor who entered her dog in the racing competition, explained that she appreciated the friendly atmosphere and ability to let her dog roam. 

  “Every time we come to Hermann, we think it’s just the cutest. Everyone is really nice. Dachshunds see other dachshunds and are really happy about it and the people are happy about it,” said Tartamella.