FAYETTEVILLE — This coming weekend, as family and friends gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, grills will be fired for cookouts, cold beverages will be enjoyed and fireworks will light the skies.

And a wiener, or winner, will be crowned in the third annual Dachshund Derby and Parade.

On Friday, they’ll trot out for pleasure during the opening ceremonies for the 60th annual Historic Fayetteville Heritage Festival. Lineup is at 5 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church.

Fire trucks will share the road with patriotic floats, as the dachshunds compete with all breeds for the coveted title of Most Patriotic Dog — first, second and third place will be awarded. However, competition in the Dog-Owner Look-Alike Contest will be fierce as only one prize is up for grabs.

Prizes and parade winners will be announced from Town Hall.

The true test comes Saturday: The fun and games are over for these hot dogs, as only one can be named champion of the Dachshund Derby.

The race course and objectives are as follows:

- Each dog must run the entire course from the starting box to the finish line and must cross the finish line. All dogs will be given a “reasonable time” — as determined by the official race judges — to cross the finish line.

- Nonfinishing dogs will be considered to have finished last in the heat. In the event no dog crosses the tape, the heat will be rerun.

- Each dog will compete in one preliminary heat. The winner of each heat will compete in the final race, the Dachshund Derby Championship.

- Each dachshund is required to have two handlers — one to place the dog in the starting position and one to catch the racer at the end. At least one handler must be above the age of 18 and handlers may not leave their positions during their dog’s heat.

- In the event of a tie, the dogs involved will have a “run-off” to determine the winner.

- Loud noises, live animals and anything deemed disruptive are not permitted on the race track.

- There will be no “handicapping” or ranking of the racers, as all dogs are to be considered “long-shots.”

Only dachshunds will be allowed to compete. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third fastest.

Each hound must have its two handlers and must check in at the registration booth by 12:30 p.m. on race day.

Early registration costs $10; race day registration costs $15.

Registration forms, available throughout Fayette County, must be completed and signed before the race and may be obtained by contacting Hylton Law Office, PLLC, at 304-574-0880.

For more information call Vickie at 304-574-0880.

— E-mail: kvanpelt@register-herald.com