The “Dogs of DoG Street” return for a second year on Saturday, Oct. 15, when they will trot down the Revolutionary City’s main drag to benefit the Heritage Humane Society – this time sporting their spookiest Halloween finery.
Colonial Williamsburg mascot Liberty, her human, George Washington, and the Heritage Humane Society again lead the charge, which this year follows the event’s first-ever canine costume contest.
“The streets and sidewalks of the Historic Area are the among the area’s most popular destinations for our four-legged neighbors and the humans holding their leashes,” said Jessica Hann, Colonial Williamsburg director of social media and engagement. “They turned out by the hundreds last year at our first ‘Dogs of DoG Street’ event to meet Liberty, then just a pup, and to support the good work of the Heritage Humane Society. We hope they’ll join an even bigger pack to march down Duke of Gloucester Street this year, in costume.”
Participants are asked to bring a donation from one of the following items on Heritage Humane Society’s wish list:
- Creamy low-fat peanut butter
- Large Kong-brand dog toys
- Chicken broth
- Yesterday’s News-brand cat litter
- Paper towels & toilet paper
- Disinfecting wipes
- Laundry detergent (HE preferred)
- Bleach
- Soft and chewy dog treats/Pedigree Dentastix-brand
- Canned cat and kitten food (non-fish flavors)
“Last year’s ‘Dogs of DoG Street’ event was a huge success for Heritage Humane Society, with hundreds of attendees offering financial support and donating supplies to our shelter,” Heritage Humane Society Executive Director Kimberly Laska said. “This event has become a must-attend for dog owners or lovers in Williamsburg. The money and supplies collected as a result of ‘Dogs of DoG Street,’ as well as the opportunity to showcase our adoptable dogs, have resulted in many of our adoptable dogs find their forever homes. With a new costume contest and the same great partnership with Colonial Williamsburg, we are confident this year’s event will surpass last year.”
The fun begins at 8 a.m. when gourmet dog treats prepared by Colonial Williamsburg’s apprentice chefs are available – while they last – at the Williamsburg Farmers Market in Merchants Square.
A streamlined event check-in is open from 9:15-10:45 a.m. on the Palace Green where guests can present their donations to Heritage Humane Society. There they can also pose with their pets for a photo, watch a canine agility demonstration and learn about the Historical Hounds greyhound rescue.
The costume contest kicks off at 10:30 a.m. on the Market Square stage. A panel of judges will select finalists based on originality and execution. Applause determines the winner, who will receive a special selection of dog goodies and more.
At 11 a.m. George Washington and Liberty greet the “pack” and lead participants up Duke of Gloucester Street to Capitol Circle. Later, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. back at the Market Square stage, a live auction will feature modern and 18th-century-inspired pet products.
Additional information is available at colonialwilliamsburg.com/dogs, on the event Facebook page, by calling 1-855-296-6627