Florence Events Center Hosts Annual Wiener Dog Races

Saturday, October 12, from noon to 3:00 p.m., sees the return of the festive Okto-Fur-Fest celebration at the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St. The event features German-style food and drink, games, and prizes—and the hilariously exciting wiener dog races from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. 

Mayor Joe Henry will ceremonially tap the first keg when the doors open at noon (21 and over only for adult beverages). Admission is $3. Limited front row VIP tickets for the races are $10 at the FEC box office. Proceeds from the dachshund derby will benefit the Florence Van Fans Cancer Van.

More information is available at www.EventCenter.org or by calling the Florence Events Center at 541-997-1994.

The event coincides with the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Wine & Chowder Trails and Great Glass Float Giveaway weekend featuring more than a dozen Oregon wineries and local chowder makers. Attendees can also search for more than 20 beautiful hand-blown glass floats from Friday through Sunday. The wine trail begins in Old Town at noon on Saturday and the chowder trail begins at noon on Sunday. Tickets will be available at Gazebo Park at Bay and Laurel Streets.

Also on Saturday, October 12, is the second annual Circles in the Sand labyrinth beach carving by renowned artist Denny Dyke, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Heceta Beach. Dyke will carve a giant labyrinth on the beach beginning at 3:00 p.m. with completion expected at 5:00 p.m. in time for a sunset walk through the drawing. Circles in the Sand is presented by Driftwood Shores Conference Center and Resort and by Sand Master Park.

Details for the Wine & Chowder Trails and Circles in the Sand are available at FlorenceChamber.com or by calling 541-997-3128.