Annual Mutt March hits Irons Park Sept. 8
By Greg Buckner
Staff Writer | reporter@ogemawherald.com
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WEST BRANCH — Whether you have a dog or just enjoy being around four-legged friends, Irons Park will once again be the place to be Sept. 8 as the Ogemaw County Humane Society will hold its annual Mutt March.
According to event Co-Chairwoman Annette Doering, the event will kick off at 11 a.m. and run until 4 p.m., and a day full of fun events is planned for those who attend.
“It’s a fun, educational day with your pets,” Doering said. “We’ll have plenty of vendors, food, contests and more throughout the day.”
Doering said the event is a fundraiser for the OCHS and is in its eighth year.
The main draw of the day will be the march itself, which Doering said will begin and end at Irons Park, but the exact route in still being worked out.
“It’s going to be less than half a mile," Doering said. “So it’s not going to be very long at all.”
She said people are encouraged to bring their own dogs for the march, but those without dogs can give a donation to the OCHS to be able to walk with one of its dogs during the march.
If you’re looking for a new pet to join you on the walk, Doering said there will be dogs and cats from the shelter up for adoption at the event.
For those who’ve already found their special canine, Doering said there will be contests people can enter their dogs in for a $5 entry fee per dog.
“We’re going to have contests for smallest dog, best dog costume, cutest dog, and more,” Doering said. “We usually have a lot of fun with these contests.”
She said there will also be plenty of vendors on hand, selling such goods as pet clothes and toys and offering services including pet grooming for donations.
Doering said the day will also be filled with games, 50/50 drawings, a silent auction, demonstrations and there will even be a photographer on hand to snap a shot of you and your pet.
She said there will even be a pastor present to lead a “Blessing of the Pets.”
For the top fundraisers, Doering said those people will receive prizes for their efforts.
Any participant who collects or donates more than $100 will be entered into a drawing for prizes including a weekend getaway and more.
Anyone who raises more than $50 will receive a T-shirt.
“It’s just a really fun time,” Doering said. “The event keeps growing from year to year, and it’s just a great time to bring your pets down to the park and have fun with other dog lovers.”
For more information on the march or to donate, call the OCHS at 989-343-7387 or visit www.ochs4paws.org.