Forget steins, pretzels and lederhosen; Oktoberfest has produced several other brilliant trends over the years, though not all are entirely on the same wave as the age-old German folk festival. Teckelrennen, or dachshund racing, was first held in Australia in the 1970s. It wasn't until the 1990s that the racing of tiny dogs became particularly popular across North America — they even made a dogumentary. To celebrate a month of Oktoberfest festivities Ponsonby's Chapel Bar & Bistro is bringing back its annual sausage dog race.
Two high-stakes heats will take place on 7 and 14 October at 4pm before the fastest four pups from each race progress to the grand final on Sunday, 21 October. The winner will take home a $300 bar tab, with $150 going to second place and $50 for third. If you have a sausage dog and want to get involved bring it along for a 4pm race start.
Image: Chapel Bar & Bistro.