The weather is warming up, and it is the perfect time to begin planning for the season of events. Mark your calendar with “Save the Dates” for these special gatherings to add enjoyment to your days! Many of these benefit animal non-profits, so you can have a great time and support local groups as well. Let’s break down the fun.
For the walkers, joggers, and runners of all ages out there, check out Paces for Paws 5K to be held on the Belfast Rail Trail on June 15. This benefits PAWS Animal Adoption Center, and yes, your trusty running canine partner is welcome. To learn more, pacesforpaws.org/.
Sarah Gagnon, Social Media & Event Coordinator for Pittie Posse Rescue & Sanctuary, shared that they are hosting a magical Summer Solstice Pawty at The Bark Yard in South Portland on Thursday, June 20th from 5 pm to 8 pm. They’ll delight guests with local artisans, food trucks, a mobile bar, face painting, games, and raffles. The rescue will have dogs there looking for their forever homes. Because of this, they ask that you kindly leave your 4-leggeds home to allow the spotlight to be on their adoptables.
For Rally and Obedience fans, don’t miss the On Track Agility Club of Maine’s AKC and Obedience Shows at North Star Dog Training School in Somerville. Kathy Duhnoski said their Obedience and Rally shows are geared to beginners in both sports (Rally is on Saturday, June 29, Obedience on Sunday, June 30). The club offers AKC classes in Rally, both Novice, Intermediate and Advanced. In Obedience, they offer Beginner Novice, Novice, Preferred Novice, and Gradate Novice. There is a limit of 35 entries in each trial.
“The show will be outdoors both days in a beautiful field with plenty of shade and plenty of space for dogs and handlers to have crates and chairs set up for their comfort. The members of OTAC will be there to encourage and help all the dog/handler teams,” shared Kathy. She added that it is part of OTAC’s mission to encourage new people to take part in the wonderful world of dog sports. “We welcome you to come and watch and see what the excitement is all about!” Check out ontrackagility.com/ or contact Kathy at 207.691.2332.
“Our biggest event of the year is in July, Wine and Whiskers,” said Mariah Donovan, Communications Coordinator for the SPCA of Hancock County. The Wine & Whiskers fundraiser is responsible for generating over a fourth of their revenue each year, which helps them save more lives, spay and neuter more cats and dogs, reunite pets with owners, run community pet support programs, and place more animals into loving homes.
The Wine & Whiskers 2024 will be held at the Bar Harbor Club, 111 West Street, in Bar Harbor on Tuesday, July 23rd at 5:30 pm. Attendees will enjoy a superb evening with dining and an auction. “On behalf of our staff, board, volunteers, and animals, please know that your generosity saves lives and is deeply appreciated!” If you would like to know more about the event or other ways to support them, please contact Mariah Donovan at mariah.d@spcahancockcounty.org.
The annual Woofstock is scheduled for July 27 at 11:00 am to 3:00 pm! It is a free, family- and dog-friendly, beer and food festival held rain or shine on the grounds of Animal Welfare Society, 46 Holland Road in Kennebunk, Maine. Expect an awesome afternoon with live music, food trucks, dozens of local craft brews, and lots of doggone fun. There’s something for everyone including games, kids’ activities, dog agility courses, craft vendors, giveaways and so much more!
Saturday, August 17, 2024, 11 am to 2 pm is the 5th Annual Dog Days of Bridgton at 15 Depot Street, behind the Bridgton Community Center. It is truly a celebration of dogs and the people who love them! It’s a great day for canines and their dog-loving families to enjoy the outdoors and meet and mingle with others. Expect games, vendors, participating dog rescues, contests, and much more. It’s hosted by Tasteful Things to benefit Harvest Hills and other local animal rescues/shelters. For sponsorships or to be a vendor, please call Carole at 207-577-0783 or Nate at 207-577-0782.
You're invited to the always terrific Pet Rock in the Park on August 25 at Deering Oaks Park, 11 to 4 pm. This annual dog-friendly event boasts live music, food, animal demonstrations, service products, animal shelters, and rescue organizations. Pet Rock, which benefits the Animal Cancer Foundation, draws lots of people so you’re sure to run into old friends and or make new ones. Please stop by this one, you’ll be glad you did!
“We are very excited that the 4th Annual Bark + Brew in the Barn is now scheduled for Saturday, September 21st,” said Kasey Bielecki, Marketing and Public Relations Manager for Pope Memorial Humane Society in Thomaston. You’re sure to have a great time at this event that’s held at Harmony Hill Farm in Warren, including food trucks, music, games, and adoptable dogs. For details, popehumane.org/events/.
Don’t miss the Bangor Humane Society’s Paws on Parade on September 28 at Hudson University. The fall leaf colors could be gorgeous, and this promises to be filled with pet costumes, a shelter dog runway show, vendors, and a variety of sponsors. To pre-register, 207-942-8902.
For good old-fashioned fun, visit the Grammy Rose Rescue & Sanctuary’s on-campus ice cream parlor and 18 hole mini-golf course named Wicky Ralph’s, honoring Grammy Rose’s husband. The ice cream parlor and mini golf, which benefits the rescue, are very popular—the season continues through Labor Day and beyond on weekends if weather permits. Watch their website at facebook.com/grammyrosedogrescue/. They may have a fall golf tournament and add food truck days. Visit this hot spot at 1542 Maine Highway 109, Acton. Hours, wickyralph.com/.
Grab your Newfie and join the Newfoundland Club of New England (NCNE) on September 21st and 22nd for the 27th annual Newfie Fun Days. This event is a celebration of the Newfoundland breed and is held at the Piscataqua Boat Basin, in Eliot from 10 am to 4 pm (rain or shine). There will be speakers, demonstrations, food trucks, vendors, and raffles. Witness this magnificent breed as they demonstrate the work they are bred to do. Demos will include water rescue, draft, and tricks. Sunday will provide an opportunity to earn an AKC Trick Dog Title. Then the weekend’s events will wrap up with the Grand March with all Newfies being led by Bag Piper Rob Haskel. If you are interested in volunteering or being a vendor, please email Jenn Hemingway at Lynchnewfies@gmail.com.
Bridgton Dog Days
Pet Rock in the Park, Photo courtesy of PVESC
OTAC Rally & Obedience Trials.