Brentley, 3, is the fourth dachshund Lisa and Steve Ross have adopted. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

MARIETTA — Downtown Marietta went to the dogs Saturday as the second annual Dachshund Derby drew crowds of residents, visitors and their four-legged companions.

The event, hosted by Marietta Main Street, featured races, contests and photo opportunities designed to celebrate the beloved breed while supporting local businesses.

“Last year we were blown away with the support that we had,” said Jen Tinkler of Marietta Main Street. “So we knew it had to be an annual event. It’s about bringing people downtown to shop and to eat, but it’s also about fun. This is by far one of our funnest events.”

Participants competed in categories based on age, from puppies to seniors, with winners announced throughout the afternoon. Contest stations were spread across local businesses including Wit & Whimzy, Jeremiah’s Coffee House, the Lafayette Hotel, Rockstar Wellness and several pizza shops.

Wiggles was all dressed up for the parade at the second annual Dachshund Derby in Marietta Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Kaitlin Streator, who organized the event, said similar races across the country inspired the derby.

“We are the original dachshund derby in the Mid-Ohio Valley, but definitely not the original in general,” Streator said. “I thought Marietta would do a great job with one, and we had so much heading last year that we’re doing it again. Hopefully it will be a staple event for many more years.”

Streator, herself a dachshund owner, called the breed “the goofiest, cutest, most ridiculous” dogs. This year’s derby also included raffle baskets from Washington State Community College and event T-shirts, alongside support from local sponsors.

For some, the derby has already become a tradition. Friends Allie Mattey and Casey Shubro returned with dachshunds Ava and Winnie after competing last year.

“Ava got third and has a little trophy, so we’re here for redemption,” Mattey said with a laugh. “We didn’t win the costume contest last year, so we really want to win this year. It’s just a really fun event, and wiener dog people are definitely dedicated.”

From left, Allie Mattey and Casey Shubro, alongside Minnie and Ava, dressed up as characters from Monsters Inc. during the Dachshund Derby on Saturday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Shubro, who lives in Sacramento, California, said she flew in both last year and this year just for the event.

Steve and Lisa Ross of Marietta attended with their fourth dachshund, a three-year-old named Brentley. “They all have such unique personalities,” Steve Ross said. “They’re really good dogs, very loyal.”

Organizers said the Dachshund Derby’s mix of family-friendly fun and downtown activity makes it a perfect fit for Marietta.

“It meets our mission — fun events that support our local businesses,” Tinkler said.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com.

Dale and Terri Dickman and their dachshunds, Grace and Cece, watched the second annual Dachschund Derby in downtown Marietta on Saturday. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Attendees cheer as Gerald, the dachshund, crosses the finish line during the puppy races at the Dachshund Derby Saturday afternoon in Marietta. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Dachshund puppies race during the Dachshund Derby on the Armory Lawn in Marietta Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

Jeff Held celebrates that his dachshund, Jellybean, won the race during the Dachshund Derby Saturday in Marietta. (Photo by Gwen Sour)