WIENER DOG RACES: Nothing captures the essence of the 
Texas outdoors like a wiener dog race ... we'll explain on 
Passport to Texas ... 
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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Of all the things you'd expect to find in a state park, a 
wiener dog race might not be one of them. But if you go 
to San Angelo State Park on Saturday, November fourth, 
that's just what you'll see. 

"It's our second wiener dog race ... our friend's group started this."

Kurt Kemp is park superintendent. He says last year's run 
of the wieners was a success, and raised money for the 
park. 
 
"And it worked out really well. We had over forty dogs last year, 
and the public enjoyed it. It took off real big - I didn't think it 
was going to be as big as it was, but everybody just went nuts 
over it."

It's a quirky event that gives friends of the park and 
friends of wiener dogs an opportunity join forces.

"You've got the races. You've got best original costume contest. 
I think this year they're adding in the stupid pet trick 
competition ... little obstacle courses ... and just everything."

Do you and your wiener dog have what it takes to 
compete? If so, registration is fifteen dollars ... and goes to 
a great cause.

"The money that the friend's group raises from this event, they 
turn around and use here at the park for facilities, or for tools, 
or just anything they need to help support the park and its 
operation."

There's more information on the Texas Parks and Wildlife 
web site.

That's our show for today ... For Texas Parks and 
Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia Nasti.