9th Annual North Fork Dog Dock Diving Weekend Raises Funds For Greenport Fire Department, Skate Park

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GREENPORT, NY — After all the dogs had taken a dive and the dust settled, a splashingly fun North Fork event raised funds for both the Greenport Fire Department and the Greenport Skate Park.

The 9th Annual North Fork Dog Dock Diving Weekend moved to a new space this year, taking place at the Greenport Polo Grounds on Moores Lane.

Organizer Kim Loper, as well as co-chairs Sarah Phillips of First & South and Rena Wilhelm of The Weathered Barn, reflected on the event, which raised $10,000 for the Greenport Skate Park and $4,000 for the Greenport Fire Department.

Speaking with Patch, Wilhelm said although the event started out with a few sprinkles, "when dogs are diving into a pool with wild abandon, a few sprinkles don’t matter. It’s all part of the fun."

The event, Wilhelm said, "was a shining example of what happens when a community comes together." Three local business owners joined forces, she said, "proving that when your intentions are genuine and your heart is in the right place, people will show up to support you."

She added: "If I had to sum up the weekend in just three words, they would be community, teamwork and joy."

Wilhelm said one of her favorite moments was seeing the Greenport Fire Department man the grill.

"It was such a clear expression of community spirit — and I truly hope their efforts raised funds for all the critical resources they so deeply deserve. I look forward to working with them again," she said.

And then there were the dogs, Wilhelm added. "Watching them leap, splash, and play with uninhibited happiness reminded me of the simple pleasures in life. Dogs have this magical way of bringing people together, showing us what pure joy looks like."

She added: "Every cheer, every leap — it all served as a beautiful reminder to slow down and embrace happiness in its simplest form. That’s the kind of lesson I try to live by every day."

Loper also spoke with Patch about the event: "What a weekend! Despite Saturday’s misty skies, we had a fantastic turnout for both days of our 9th Annual Dog Dock Diving Weekend — and when the sun came out Sunday, so did even more smiling faces and wagging tails! The energy and support from our community were nothing short of incredible."

"With a last-minute venue change," she said, "we had to pivot quickly, and the way our team and fellow local businesses rallied together was truly inspiring. It was a beautiful example of what happens when a community shows up for each other. From seasoned jumpers to pups trying dock diving for the very first time, it was a joy to watch dogs of all experience levels soar into the pool. Who knows — maybe a future champion made their debut this weekend, and we’ll get to say we knew them when!"

Loper said organizers were honored to have the Greenport Skate Park Inc. and the Greenport Fire Department on-site, "both helping take the event to the next level. Over 20 businesses from Greenport and Southold pitched in — some as sponsors, others with generous in-kind support."

She thanked all who opened their hearts to help.

Loper concluded: "To every person who donated, volunteered, cheered, or simply showed up to support us: thank you. This weekend was a reminder of the power of community. When local businesses lift each other up — for the joy of seeing everyone thrive — we all win. Here’s to tails wagging, paws flying, and many more weekends like this to come."

Next year's date for the event is already locked in, she said, and will take place on June 6 and 7, 2026.

Plans are already underway, organizers said, to make next year’s 10th anniversary celebration "even more memorable. With an eye on expanding pet-friendly experiences and involving even more local businesses, the team is focused on creating an even more vibrant and inclusive festival atmosphere."

The event, first organized on the North Fork in 2017 and previously held at the Greenport Harbor Brewing Company in Peconic, has long brought crowds from across Long Island and beyond to the North Fork to watch the dogs diving into pools. Scores cheer as the pooches splash in the sunshine during the high-energy competitions.

Loper formally proposed relocating the event to the Polo Grounds earlier this year. The Village of Greenport, she said, "unanimously approved" the proposal.

The event, Loper said, "highlights Greenport’s historic connection to the sea, making it a fitting backdrop for a celebration of canine athleticism and coastal tradition."

Event highlights included competitive dock diving events featuring canine athletes; vendor booths featuring pet products and local goods; limited-edition swag bags for early attendees; and activities and entertainment for the whole family, including a dunk tank.

Speaking with Patch, Loper said: "Did you even know Greenport had the capacity for an event like this, in a space like this? That’s part of the magic."

Of the event, she said: "It’s about celebrating community, supporting youth programs, and seeing what’s possible when local businesses, the Village of Greenport, and the Business Improvement District work together. This event is a show of strength —for collaboration, for dogs, for fun."

And, she added: "It's about our best friends — our dogs — with beer and food as a bonus. This is a Life is Gruff event. It’s a Harbor Pet event. It’s a Dock Dogs event. We’re proud to host it with our whole community in mind."

Loper said choosing the skate park was a decision born of love for community. "The skate park needs support, the grounds are ready, and the event was never canceled — just relocated. Moores Lane is already home to so many beloved Greenport traditions: the Fourth of July carnival and fireworks, Sound & Skate Festival, fire department demos, the Greenport Express miniature railroad, three baseball fields, and National Go Skate Day. This is a community space — let’s use it together."

Wilhelm, co-chair of Dock Dogs Greenport and president of the Greenport Skate Park board, spoke to Patch about how she felt, learning that the skate park would benefit from a portion of the proceeds from the event.

"Ecstatic!" she said. "We’re so close to breaking ground, and this event could be the final push we need. It’s not just about the funding — it’s about rebuilding and reinvigorating a part of Greenport Village that means so much to so many. Plus, what an iconic and joyful event to bring to Moores Lane!"

The Dog Dock Diving Event, Wilhelm said, symbolizes the same kind of community partnership and dedication needed to see the skate park blossom. "It’s a true cross-section of Greenport: the fire department, village administration, the BID, local businesses, residents, families, and their pets — all working together. It’s bigger than business. It’s about shared space, shared passion, and shared purpose. At the end of the day, we’re all under one umbrella: Greenport Village."