First Thursday: 'Dog Days in Del Ray' to Benefit Animal Shelter

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Get your pooch ready for a night out Thursday, May 12 -- Del Ray's First Thursday is going to the dogs. Del Ray's monthly street festival takes place tonight from 6 p.m. to dusk with the theme "Dog Days in Del Ray."

Bring your favorite four-legged friend out to Mount Vernon Avenue for a wide variety of canine-themed activities, including:

• an obstacle course
• K-9 unit demonstration
• doggie beer and wine tasting
• dog massage and reiki
• a dog wash

Participants are encouraged to bring cans of dog or cat food, or small puppy training treats, for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. The event is free and open to all.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria provides shelter to animals in need and promotes adoptions, animal welfare, and responsible pet ownership in the Alexandria community. Donations will be collected at the Pat Miller Neighborhood Square, formerly known as the Farmer's Market lot, at Mt. Vernon & E. Oxford Avenues.

Held the first Thursday from April to September along Mount Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, First Thursday is a series of free outdoor street festivals that bring the community together around a fun theme, benefiting a local nonprofit. This month’s event is sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association and Your Dog's Best Friend.

For more information on First Thursday, visit www.visitdelray.com. For more information on the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, visit www.alexandriaanimals.org.