First Coshocton Dog Fest set for Aug. 17
The first Coshocton Dog Fest will be held at Lake Park on Saturday, Aug. 17. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
One of the featured activities will be dock diving presented by Ultimate Air Dogs started by Milt Wilcox a former professional baseball player. When he retired, he and his son started this adventure.
Brad Fuller owner of Good Boy Bakery said, “People come from all over the United States to participate for points and can eventually go to nationals to compete. We will be one of the small ones where people can come and compete and gain some points for distance on how far they jump or catching it in the air.”
Ultimate Air Dogs started in 2005 has a down to earth attitude, a grass-roots background, with the ability to make every competitor feel welcome. The philosophy of UAD is all about family. This is not a discipline sport in that two handlers are allowed on the dock at a time.
“People not into dock diving but have a dog that may enjoy this, will have a time to come and try it,” Fuller said. “The handlers know what the dogs are capable of, so they won’t make them do anything.”
Also coming to the event is Performance Dogs of Ohio, a frisbee pitch and catch team. They have a half hour choreographed show with music, moves, and tricks.
“It is very entertaining,” Fuller said.
Another attraction is the lure course. This is a string that runs through pulleys on the ground typically about 50 feet long with a flag attached, in a fenced in area. “You have a remote control to change the speed and direction of the string. The dogs will be chasing that,” Fuller said.
There will also be vendors with dog related items and Roscoe Village is having a food truck festival on the same day. CCCTA is providing a free shuttle service all day between the two events. If you prefer, you can walk the Tow Path from Lake Park to Roscoe Village.
There will be a cool down tent with air conditioning inside and plenty of water for dogs to drink. Volunteer local veterinarians will be on staff to provide care if needed, making sure that all dogs are safe.
“The Coshocton Foundation provided a grant to start us out with and local groups and people have contributed to that, as well,” Fuller said. “This fundraiser is to raise money for the Coshocton County Animal Shelter on Morgan Run Road. Our goal is $10,000 every year so they won’t have to worry about fundraising, and they can focus on finding lost pets’ owners and rehoming misplaced animals. This is about having fun and supporting the animal shelter. We encourage people to bring their dogs, but they must be on a leash. Doggy bags will be provided to clean up after your pet.”
For information go to coshoctondogfest.com or you can find them on Facebook. For anyone that would like to donate or be a sponsor, email coshoctondogfest@gmail.com. You also can stop by Good Boy Bakery.
“We are always accepting donations,” Fuller said.
Friday night prior the event will be a VIP event for contributors to the festival at Indian Bear Cork and Coffee. It starts at 7 p.m. and is by invitation only. Samantha Canfield will be providing the music.
Category: Arts & Entertainment
