Rescue, Relax & Recreate at
Dog Day Afternoon
On Saturday, August 18th, the 1st Dog Day Afternoon festival will take place at the East Green of Carrier Park in West Asheville to celebrate all things canine and support local dog rescue organizations.
Three of Asheville’s most prominent animal rescue organizations – Animal Compassion Network, the Asheville Humane Society and Brother Wolf, will be in attendance and will benefit from different parts of the festival. Each rescue group will have large adoption areas showcasing dogs ready for adoption in hopes of matching these would-be pets with a loving foster or forever home.
The event will kick off at 10:30am with a dog-friendly fun run sponsored by Dr. Kani Nicolls, around Carrier Park and will continue until 4pm with two bands, dog contests including a Weiner Dog race, “Best Heinz 57”, “Most Ear- resistible” and the Fastest Dog in Asheville Competition. The Companion Dog Training School will also host an agility course and offer training tips for dog owners.
Two dog-loving bands, Xanderfly and headliner Big Daddy Love will perform on the Musician’s Workshop stage.
The festival would not be complete without a doggie photo booth from Flying Dogs Photography and a pretty pooch station with free nail trimming services, courtesy of the Gold Spot. Haw Creek Animal Hospital will have doctors and technicians on site at the pet first aid booth.
Local businesses will vend dog-friendly wares and products. Food will be available from Our Taco Truck, El Kimchi, Roly Poly, JW BBQ, and the Hop Ice Cream with local craft beer flowing from Highland Brewing. Cool water for dogs AND humans will be available courtesy of Earth Fare and McKinney Insurance Services.
Attendees will also get to enjoy the beautiful walking trails and picnic areas surrounding the park. The festival will feature a large cooling tent as well as doggie pools to keep both dogs and humans beat the heat.
Dog Day Afternoon is a free event and produced by Mix 96.5, 98.1 the River, Prestige Subaru and other local business sponsors.
Festival Guidelines:
While the event is dog-friendly, owners must bring their dogs on leash and aggressive or unruly dogs will be asked to leave.
Participants are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs at the event. Please plan to bring poops bags with you.
All dogs in attendance must remain securely leashed and under control at all times. Dogs displaying any aggression will be asked to leave the event.
Human participants are responsible for their dog’s behavior and will be held fully responsible for any injuries or damages caused by the dog.
If you enter your dog in the wiener dog race, the dog must be current on a rabies vaccination. Please plan to bring valid tags or proof of vaccination.
Dogs who are in heat or are unhealthy may not attend the event.
Mix 96.5, 98.1 the River, 105.9 the Mountain, ESPN Radio and sponsors of Dog Day Afternoon reserve the right to use any pictures or images of participants and their dogs for promotional purposes.