Germantown Festival expected to attract 65,000 for fun, food (no weenies)
For 38 years, the Germantown Festival has proven to be a top attraction, pulling in families from around the region to sample the exhibits, food and entertainment.
“In some respects, it’s a reunion,” says Germantown Mayor Sharon Goldsworthy, “where people catch up with friends they’ve not seen for awhile, munch on food they don’t fix at home and enjoy the fellowship that comes from spending a few hours of an autumn weekend with folks who just want to relax and have fun.”
A dachshund named Bailee' (blue bandanna) takes the lead in the 13th Annual Running of the Weenies as part of the Germantown Festival last year at C.O. Franklin Park. Bailee' won second place in the race and first place in the Best Dressed contest.
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What began as a one-day street fair is now, as Goldsworthy says, a flagship two-day event held on 17 acres and expected to lure up to 65,000 people this weekend.
The zaniest event is the Running of the Weenies race. Dozens of dachshunds assemble on Sunday at the Germantown Horse Show Arena, first for a Best Dressed Hot Dog contest at 2:30 p.m. and then the race.
Fun is the goal. History has shown that not all the dogs realize it’s a race and scamper off in different directions, some playing with other dogs or running in circles. There are 10 heats with 8 to 10 dogs in each.
Registration is $10 per dog for the Hot Dog contest. Dachshunds must be pre-registered for the race by 3:30 p.m. Friday; the fee is $35. Proceeds benefit the Germantown Animal Shelter (call 757-7358 for more info).
Food booths at the festival are sponsored by civic or nonprofit organizations, with items including grilled chicken, crepes, Philly cheese steak sandwiches, Pronto Pups, sausages, barbecue, smoked turkey, gyros, burgers, tacos, root beer floats and chocolate fondue and fried dill pickles.
There will be nearly 400 local and regional artists and craftsmen showing jewelry, woodwork, painting and pottery along with other items, and exhibition of new and classic cars.
For the children, there will plenty of attractions, from clowns making balloon shapes to inflatable moonwalks and slides, and pony and train rides.
38th Annual Germantown Festival
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. at Morgan Woods and Franklin Park (7701 Poplar Pike) in Germantown. Admission is free. A shuttle service will be provided from parking lots at Union University (2745 Hacks Cross) and Germantown Performing Arts Center (1801 Exeter). (GPAC is having an open house Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) Parking also is available in church and school lots near the festival grounds. For more information, go to germantownfest.com or call 757-9212.
FESTIVAL LINEUP
Saturday
9 a.m.: Mid-South Fair Talent Contest registration
10: Mid-South Fair Talent Contest Preliminary
Noon: Germantown Chorus
12:45 p.m.: Houston High Show Choir
1:30: Memphis Blue Grass Association
3: City Limits
4:30: The Blind Ducks
Sunday
1 p.m.: Gary & Tee
2:30: Best Dressed Hot Dog contest / Running of the Weenies
3: Navy Freedom Band (rock)
4: The Brad Kessler Band
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