IT'S A dog's life
Denton’s dog-centric festival gives dogs and their owners a day out before the summer heat really sets in.
he laziest days of summer bring with them guilt-free lethargy and a firm resolve to do nothing more than sit poolside or, really, anywhere a cold drink and some shade can be found. But in Denton, the dog days are a reason to celebrate.
The Dog Days of Denton festival started 15 years ago when organizers realized how many pets attended the city’s other festivals. These were the days before designer dog collars and canine hotels, so a festival dedicated to dogs might have seemed a bit eccentric. The first festival reflected that, with only 300 attendees sweltering in the afternoon heat. But now, it’s one of the most popular festivals in the city, with crowds often exceeding 10,000 people, many of whom are looking for a dog of their own.
“It was just a small festival where people could come with their dogs and enjoy an outdoor event that catered to them,” says Christine Gossett, event and marketing coordinator. “We are finding that people expect Dog Days to take place, and they will come to the event to find a new family dog with one of the rescue groups in attendance.”
There are activities galore for both man and beast. Typically, arts-and-crafts vendors peddle their standard festival wares next to food vendors. But at Dog Days of Denton, the dog-centric vendors come close to outnumbering the human-centric ones. Attending dogs can have their picture taken at the Glamfur Shots photo booth, have their fortune told by the Great Barkini, and even find delicious baked treats or the perfect collar to complete their wardrobes.
The festival also features musicians, a musical dog show featuring a unicyclist, and Frisbee demonstrations. Dog competitions will offer pets a chance to show off their best talents as they vie for prizes that, undoubtedly, will feature some highly sought-after treats.
“The festival draws people from all over Texas and neighboring states,” Gossett says. “It is the original festival for people and their pooches in the state of Texas.”
Each year, the Dog Days of Denton Festival awards the title of Spokesdog to one special pooch. This year, the Spokesdog is Denton resident Bacardi the Papillon, who can’t seem to get enough of his Robin Hood costume. Bacardi’s duties include promoting the festival at other dog-centric events throughout the year; but the Spokesdog’s essential qualities are to be comfortable in a costume and have a friendly disposition.
A portion of the proceeds from the festival go to charitable organizations, and volunteers are always welcome—there are a lot of jobs at Dog Days of Denton.
Dog Days of Denton provides opportunities for pet-related non-profit organizations to raise funds and offer information about their services, Gossett says. A portion of proceeds are donated to local entities that serve to protect and promote the well-being of pets and their families.
If you’d like to lend a hand, or a paw, visit www.dogdaysdenton.com or e-mail info@ dentonmainstreet.com.