Puppy Pride Fun Day Returning To Enfield Moose Lodge In October

ENFIELD, CT — For the 16th straight year, a day of fun for all members of the family - especially those of the four-legged variety - is planned to aid daily operation of the self-funded Enfield Dog Park.

The annual Puppy Pride Fun Day returns Oct. 5 to the Moose Lodge on South Road, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. For furry family members, there will be various contests with minimal entry fees, including hot dog eating, Best Kisser, Musical Sit and Stay, Cutest Dog and a costume contest.

About 30 vendors will be selling a variety of products, including dog cookies and birdhouses, and local pet shop Naturally Dogs and Cats will have free samples. Local crafters will be on hand, and for the first time, the Dog Park Action Committee will be taking orders for holiday pies. Payment will be required at the time of order, and pies may be picked up close to the holidays at the Moose Lodge.

The Enfield Police Department canine unit will demonstrate their skills, and you'll have the opportunity to meet the current candidates for Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the dog park. If you haven't registered your dog to run for Mayor of the park yet, you can do so on the park's website at www.enfielddogpark.org.

Rev. Dr. Greg Gray from the Enfield United Church of Christ will perform a Blessing of the Animals. All dogs should be well-behaved and current on vaccinations and licenses.

Raffle prizes sponsored by local businesses and vendors will be offered, Moose Lodge members will be selling hot dogs, hamburgers and bottled water, and music and emcee services will be again provided by Tim Jensen.

"This is the Enfield Dog Park's largest fundraiser of the year, and the proceeds benefit the daily operation of the park, which is self-funded and run by a group of dedicated volunteers," board member Bob Marshall said. "This group includes a six-member board of directors and a 20-member park patrol unit. The board would like to thank everyone who joined Park Patrol this year to help with the daily upkeep of the park and keep it open."