Westport Dog Festival to return after COVID cancellations
WESTPORT — After the Westport Pet dog Festival was canceled twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will make a grand return this weekend.
The festival on a regular basis appeals to an average of about 3,000 persons and about 1,000 pet dogs, mentioned Matthew Mandell, government director and president of the Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce. “It’s fairly well-known,” he said. “People love accomplishing it. People enjoy their canines.”
Persons expressed disappointment when the function was scuttled, first in spring 2020 and again in spring 2021. But now the festival is back — albeit in slide, as opposed to spring, when it’s taken location in the earlier.
The fifth annual Westport Dog Festival will get location from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday in Westport’s Winslow Park. The Chamber of Commerce is collaborating with The Alliance in Limiting Strays, a charity that promotes spaying and neutering animals.
Mandell mentioned the time seemed suitable to carry the pageant back again, as the pandemic-related lockdowns probably have still left spot residents, and their furry buddies, hungry for pleasurable activities.
“It’s an out of doors function, so people will feel protected,” he claimed.
The event will consist of law enforcement K9 presentation, little ones activities, sellers, meals vehicles, and other activities. Competitions sponsored by Earth Animal will supply prizes to pooches in these groups as ideal tail wagger, greatest dressed, ideal kisser, finest trick, finest lap pet dog above 50 lbs ., and pet dog that most seems to be like its proprietor. Judging will be done by many of the Westport’s elected officials.
Surrounding the key things to do will be extra than 50 pet-relevant sellers and tons of giveaways, as well as an assortment of foodstuff vehicles.
Guests will also get a chance to meet up with Piglet, the deaf and blind pink Dashchund/Chihuahua blend who is the topic of the book “Piglet: The Sudden Tale of a Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy and His Loved ones,” by veterinarian Melissa Shapiro.
Parking is obtainable at the Westport Region Playhouse, and at other a lot presented by neighboring companies. Pageant patrons can appear for these selected lots along the Post Highway.
The festival entrance fee is $10 for every individual and $25 for a spouse and children of four (two grownups, two little ones). Proceeds will advantage nonprofit organizations, such as TAILS, the Connecticut Humane Modern society and many others. So far, extra than $22,000 has been donated by the chamber to groups from the prior festivals.
Canine owners can sign up for the competitions on line or at the festival. All info about the pageant can be observed at www.westportwestonchamber.com/puppies. A rain date is set for Oct. 17.
Mandell stated organizers are keeping an eye on the weekend’s weather, as they have experienced to reschedule earlier gatherings owing to rain.
“Nobody likes a soaked pet dog,” he claimed.
