Dogtoberfest coming Oct. 17
The Shell Factory & Nature Park is hosting Dogtoberfest, a celebration of all dogs, presented by Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. The event will be held Sunday, Oct. 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the support of animal welfare organizations. The Shell Factory & Nature Park has long been “pooch friendly.”
“We are very excited to have Dogtoberfest at the Shell Factory & Nature Park,” said Shell Factory General Partner Tom Cronin Sr. “We are a dog friendly attraction and even have outdoor cafes where we encourage our guests to bring their four-legged friends.”
Earlier this year, the Shell Factory was the spot for the First Annual Florida Wiener Dog Derby, where hundreds of the breed came out to compete.
Inspired by Tex, a wiener dog owned by Doug Dailey, president of the organization, the group had its inaugural race in March and donated the proceeds to the PAWS Ministry and the local Animal Refuge Center (ARC).
Proceeds from Dogtoberfest will help the Florida Wiener Dog Derby Inc. fund the next derby race to be held in March of 2011.
There is no admission fee for the event and free parking. There will be food, demonstrations, contests, vendors, children’s activities and more, said Donna Ellis, marketing representative for the derby and the organization.
“Dogtoberfest is a great opportunity for us to keep our visibility high in the community and support our mission which is to support animal welfare organizations,” Ellis said.
There will be different contests and children’s activities galore, she said.
There is still room for more vendors. Interested vendors may contact Ellis at donna.ellis2008@comcast.net or 839-7760.
The master of ceremonies for the day will be Sean Kelly of Miracle baseball. There will also be a special appearance by The Calendar Girls, a popular local dance group.
Rosie’s Gourmet Fudge owner Rosie Heuglin has many local customers and their four-legged friends frequenting her shop within the Shell Factory shops.
“The dogs get a ‘puppy cup’ of ice cream and water if they need it,” said Hueglin.
For information, call 995-2141.