Peanut Butter Licking Contest, Splash Zones, More: Dog Daze In Downers

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Pups can bask in the dog days of summer as they compete in a peanut butter licking contest, dash through an agility course, prance in a splash zone and take part in other fun adventures for Dog Daze in Downers Grove.

The Fishel Park event offers distractions for humans, too, including food trucks, local vendors and refreshments for guests who are 21 and over.

Mike and Traci from Good Clean Fun will be on hand to play acoustic tunes as dogs and their owners socialize. Below is a peek at the schedule for Dog Daze:

12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Live acoustic music from Mike and Traci

12 p.m. to 2 p.m.: Agility course open

12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.: Peanut butter licking contest

The peanut butter licking contest is likely generating a lot of hype among local dogs. There are four different categories in which canines will compete to see who can devour peanut butter the fastest. Here's how the categories are scheduled. And, yes, there will be prizes!

12:30 p.m.: Short dogs

1:30 p.m.: Thick dogs

2:30 p.m.: Tall dogs

3:30 p.m.: Older dogs

Last year marked the first Dog Daze in Downers Grove, bringing in roughly 1,000 visitors. Even more guests are expected at this year's event, Downers Grove Park District Director of Marketing and Community Engagement Dawn Hartman told Patch.

"Downers Grove is a dog-loving community, as the park district has seen in our parks and at so many special events over the years," Hartman said. "This event provides families with the opportunity to treat their dog to a special day out while also connecting them with pet-related resources and businesses in our area."

The event is free to attend, but tips from drink purchases will aid the West Suburban Humane Society. For parched pooches, the Downers Grove Park District will serve up chilled whipped cream pup cups!

Dog Daze coincides with the Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival, which means a large portion of Main Street will be closed. Click the link to find out more information about parking for Dog Daze.

What: Dog Daze

When: Sept. 9 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Fishel Park, 1036 Grove St., Downers Grove