Marcel, a four year old Dachshund, races toward his beckoning human, Nate Moren, Minnetonka, in the first heat of The Doxie Dash Sprints held Saturday, Sept. 10., at Wayzata West Middle School. This was Marcel and Nate's first time competing with the team Lean Mean Wiener Machines at the 27th Annual Dachshund Races, a huge draw for Wayzata's 37th Annual James J.Hill Days. A warm but willing participant in the Parade of Champions at the 27th Annual Dachshund Races scampers past the finish line and the dozens of spectators at Wayzata West Middle School, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011. The Races are an integral part of Wayzata's 37th Annual James' J. Hill Days, which also features an art bazaar, coaster carts and a parade.

Ryan Bjorkstrand removes his suit jacket while his daughter Brielle Richardson, 9, waits patiently in the Banquet Room of the Minnetonka Community Center at the beginning of the father-daughter dance Friday, Feb. 13, 2009.