Oktoberfest guests must be 21 and older this year — or, short, four-legged and furry.

The major fundraiser for the Saratoga Orchestra of Whidbey Island is back from 12-6 p.m. on Oct. 4 at the Greenbank Farm, bringing with it traditional German games, lively musical entertainment, themed food and drinks and, new this year, a wiener dog race.

“One of our board members has two wiener dogs and she came up with the idea,” Larry Heidel, the orchestra’s executive director, said. “She said if you involve wiener dogs in anything, it becomes a popular event. She was correct!”

Twenty-five pups are already registered for the race, which begins at 1 p.m. the day of the event. Owners are encouraged to dress their dogs in costumes and use toys and treats to entice them to the finish line.

“We’ll be d

See Full Page