PRESCOTT - When Prescott conducted its inaugural "Dogtoberfest" in fall 2007, the community's animal-loving side was impossible to ignore.
Becky Garvin, the city's special events coordinator, estimates that the event attracted more than 500 dogs and at least 2,000 people.
"Being the dog lover that I am, I was in dog heaven," Garvin said.
With that success behind it, Prescott will kick off its second annual Dogtoberfest this weekend, and Garvin is hoping for an even bigger turnout.
Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza, Dogtoberfest 2008 will include more than a dozen contests and a Air Major Flying Frisbee demonstration.
Because of courthouse plaza scheduling conflicts, this year's event will not take place in October, as did last year's event, but Garvin said it still would tie in with St. Francis of Assisi's "blessing of animals." Sunday's event will begin with its own "blessing of the animals" by Father Rich Wozniak at 10:15 a.m.
The day will include one contest and event after another. Other features include a 10:45 a.m. parade of adoptable dogs; an 11 a.m. dog-training event; an 11:30 a.m. dog costume contest; a 1 p.m. agility demonstration; a 1:30 p.m. best owner/dog look-alike contest; and a 3 p.m. dog race.
Among the highlights of the day will be a demonstration by Bill Watters, owner and trainer of "Air Major, The Flying Dog," who appeared on many television talk shows and Miller Lite commercials throughout the 1990s.
Watters will perform on the courthouse plaza with three of his trained Frisbee dogs. The show, which Garvin described as "very interactive," will take place on the south side of the plaza at noon and 2 p.m.
Along with the fun events, the day also will feature "doggie tune-ups" that relate to pets' grooming and health. Garvin said veterinarians and groomers would be on hand for low-cost micro-chipping, vaccinations, and massages.
Registration will cost $10, along with $5 for the competitions. The registration will include a Dogtoberfest tote bag, and competitions will come with prizes for the winners.
Garvin is asking that owners have their dogs on leashes. And owners should take their dogs' dispositions into consideration before attending.
"If your dog isn't social, with a tendency to be aggressive, you shouldn't bring that dog," Garvin said.
While the day will focus on the pets, Garvin said the event also would include food vendors for the people who attend.
Contact the reporter at cbarks@prescottaz.com
Reader Comments
Posted: Thursday, September 25, 2008
Article comment by:
Michael
I am really looking forward to it! I am bringing my pet Javelina
