By Barb Pert Templeton
A“Fun for all dogs, dog owners and dog lovers.”
It’s the tag line for the 2nd Annual Puptember canine event in Ira Township and organizers are hoping for just as good a turnout at last year when they welcomed hundreds of dogs and their owners to the local park.
Ira Township Parks and Recreation Director Cindy Babisz said they had to reschedule the event, originally planned for Sunday, Sept. 22, as there were scheduling conflicts with both sponsors and participants.
Ira Township Puptember will now be hosted on Sunday, September 15, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. All are invited to stop by the Ira Township Municipal Park to “celebrate” their dogs. The 2nd Annual Puptember event is being sponsored by Dakota’s D’Tailed Dog Grooming.
All service-related organizations, dog trainers, dog rescue organizations, dog demonstrators and people with dog products are welcome to attend.
Those selling dog merchandise will need to donate a basket of items for our “doggie door” prizes, Babisz said.
Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with Babisz to pose a few questions about this year’s event.
Blue Water Healthy Living: Is this the first dog style event in Ira Township or is it returning from last year?
Ira Township Parks and Recreation Director Cindy Babisz: This is a returning event that was originally held last October.
BWHL: What was the original date for this year’s Ira event?
Babisz: We had originally scheduled September 22nd. There was a schedule conflict for our sponsor Dakota’s D’tailed Dog Grooming so we moved it up a week to Sept 15th. The hours are
1:00 to 4:00pm.
BWHL: If this is a returning event were the past ones successful? How many dogs and owners?
Babisz: Very successful. We had a couple hundred people with dogs attend last year.
BWHL: Can you share a little bit about how the event works?
Babisz: Vendors and organizations related to dogs are stationed around the walking path. Participants, owners and dogs. visit each station, receive handouts, goodies, and can purchase items. There will be music, contests and nail clipping by our main sponsor Dakota Cobb.
BWHL: Can you share the names of a couple vendors that will be at the event?
Babisz: Luv Em All Rescue, Bluewater Therapy Dogs, Empowered Nutrition, Coast Guard Auxiliary with Dog Safety on the water and many others.
BWHL: Any special activities planned for pets and owners?
Babisz: Yes, there will be a dog costume contest and other contests like for smallest dog and best owner/dog look alike.
BWHL: Are there rules for having dogs in the park? Or rules for this event – leashes or other things to prevent any fighting?
Babisz: Dogs are required to be on a leash. We have pet cleanup stations. Dogs should be sociable to attend the event.
BWHL: Will there be any concessions at the park during this event?
Babisz: Yes. Mayle’s Hot Dogs ala Carte with hot dogs, Polish Sausage, kraut, chips, pop and water.
BWHL: Do you still need sponsors and vendors? Who do they contact to get involved?
Babisz: Yes. Any dog related businesses and organizations are welcome just email me at cindy@iratownship.org
BWHL: Is this event held rain or shine? Is there a “rainout” date?
Babisz: Yes, it’s held rain or shine. Severe weather will cancel the event.
BWHL: Are you selling tickets for the “doggie door prize” if so, how much are they?
Babisz: We do not sell tickets. All dogs will receive free tickets.
BWHL: Is there an “adopt a puppy or rescue a dog” part to this event or not?
Babisz: Yes. Luv Em All Rescue will be on site.
Ira Township Municipal Park is located at 8981 Shortcut Road, directly behind the Ira Library on Meldrum Road.
