The 45th Annual Hermann Wurstfest put on by the Hermann Area Chamber of Commerce is happening this weekend.

The Braunschweiger Ball hosted by the White House Hotel at 232 Wharf Street will kick-off Wurstfest events on Friday from 5-9 p.m.

Contestants can make their favorite braunschweiger recipes. The deadline for entries is 6:30 p.m. Judging criteria for entries will be based on creativity and presentation.

There is the Wurst dressed German costume contest during the ball.

Attendance is free but RSVPs are requested.

Gourmet sausage and samplings will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Stone Hill Winery Sherry House at 1110 Stone Hill Highway and Hermannhof Festhalle at 237 East 1st Street are the locations for sausage sampling.

German music will be played at both locations from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Wurstjaeger dancers will perform at 1 p.m. on both days at Stone Hill Winery.

Pre-sale tickets can be found online for sausage sampling and cost $10 that covers both locations. Tickets purchased the day of the event cost $15.

Tickets for the events can be found on the chamber’s website under the Hermann Wurstfest page.

Sauerkraut making classes are held at Wagon Works at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday and they cost $40 to attend.

From 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, there is an “All You Can Eat” sausage breakfast at the Hermann Volunteer Fire Department.

The Wiener Dog Derby Race will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday. It is $15 per dog if pre-registered and $20 at the event. Dogs must show proof of current vaccinations.

All breeds may participate in the talent or costume contest. It is $10 dollars for dogs that are not participating in the derby.