Doggy Derby fun at Northland event

News Photo by Darby Hinkley The top three winners of Saturday's Northland Challenge Duck Park Doggy Derby in the 16-30-pound weight group are seen on the podium. From left are Charlie Scimone and Max the Wonder Dog (second place), Darcy Christianson and returning champion Ollie (first place), and Shannon and daughter Irene with Sheldon (third place).
ALPENA — Dogs, dog owners, and spectators enjoyed Saturday’s Northland Challenge Duck Park Doggy Derby, which featured five different races based on weight groups. The $10 registration fee per entry went to Alpena County Animal Control.
In the 16-30-pound weight group, returning champion Ollie defended his title, zooming past competitors to win for the second year in a row.
Ollie, a Yorkie mix, is owned by MaryAnn Crawford. She and her daughter Darcy Christianson cheered Ollie on.
“He congratulates all the other dogs for their efforts,” Christianson said.
Max the Wonder Dog placed second. His owner Charlie Scimone said they both had fun.

Courtesy Photo Dogs race to the finish line on Saturday in the Northland Challenge Duck Park Doggy Derby, with returning champion Ollie in front in the 16-30-pound weight group.
Third place went to Sheldon, owned by Shannon and Carlos Vivero, who cheered Sheldon on, along with their children.
Many dogs participated this year in the fun and hilarious event. Northland organizers even sent out invitations and treat tokens to those who participated last year, welcoming them back for some more friendly competition.
- News Photo by Darby Hinkley The top three winners of Saturday’s Northland Challenge Duck Park Doggy Derby in the 16-30-pound weight group are seen on the podium. From left are Charlie Scimone and Max the Wonder Dog (second place), Darcy Christianson and returning champion Ollie (first place), and Shannon and daughter Irene with Sheldon (third place).
- Courtesy Photo Dogs race to the finish line on Saturday in the Northland Challenge Duck Park Doggy Derby, with returning champion Ollie in front in the 16-30-pound weight group.