WIENERPALOOZA 2022: SHORT DOGS WALK TALL IN KEY WEST

Key West’s annual Dachshund Parade got a new name this year — Weinerpalooza.

Organized by Ben Hennington, of the Sunset Social Drinking Club, and proud owner of a dachshund named Alvin, whom Hennington calls, “King of the Lowriders,” the event raises money for local animals in need.

The parade is as short as its participants’ legs — only 2½ blocks from the Custom House to Greene Street.

Wiener dog wannabes of all shapes and sizes are always welcome to participate. There were dogs dressed as hot dogs, in tuxedos, as mermaids and in other costumes.

Despite the chill in the air on Jan. 29, the event drew more than 100 dogs and their humans.

Dachshunds strut their short stuff for the annual parade that was renamed Wienerpalooza this year. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly

Mandy Miles drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should. An award-winning writer, reporter and columnist, she's been stringing words together in Key West since 1998. "Local news is crucial," she says. "It informs and connects a community. It prompts conversation. It gets people involved, holds people accountable. The Keys Weekly takes its responsibility seriously. Our owners are raising families in Key West & Marathon. Our writers live in the communities we cover - Key West, Marathon & the Upper Keys. We respect our readers. We question our leaders. We believe in the Florida Keys community. And we like to have a good time." Mandy's married to a saintly — and handy — fishing captain, and can't imagine living anywhere else.