The Eighth Annual Dachshund Dash is just part of the United Way of Union County’s Halloween-themed WienerPawLooza, which will also include costume contests for children and pets, said Alexis Alexander, executive director of the United Way of Union County.
Hallo-WienerPawLooza is set for 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 28 at the Boys & Girls Club. The event is free, however there are admission costs for the contests.
WienerPawLooza, which is open to all dog breeds this year, will include a costume contest and other games for pets, a kissing booth, a photo booth, concessions – and, of course, dog races. The two race categories include the Dachshund Dash (for dachshunds only) at 11:30 a.m. and the Wiener Wanna Bes (all other breeds), which starts at 10 a.m. Entry fee for the race is $10 per dog and proof of current vaccinations must be provided. Racers must be registered in advance of the day of event.
The Pet Costume Contest will start at 9:30 a.m. and is $2 per pet to enter. Registration is available on site. Canine Contests will start at 10:30 a.m. Entry for each category is $1 per pet. Dogs can be entered into more than one category. Categories include smallest dog, largest dog, best trick, oldest dog, youngest dog, worst breath, shortest dog and longest dog. Registration is available on site.
A Halloween costume contest for children under 12 years old will start at 11 a.m. Registration is $2 per child. Prizes will be awarded in each age category. Vendors will be on site and United Way agencies will have games and trick-or-treating for children in costume.
For the safety of all participants, all dogs must be leashed at all times. Owners are also responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Water bowls will be provided throughout the event.
WienerPawLooza is an element of the United Way’s annual campaign, which raises more than $1 million through individual gifts and workplace campaigns to support programs and services provided by 13 local non-profit agencies. The United Way of Union County is one of the community’s strongest organizations, Alexander said.
Its member agencies served more than 30,000 residents last year and, through the generous donations from the community, raised more than $1.2 million. United Way of Union County partner agencies include Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Club, Camp Fire USA, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Community Living Arrangements, Girl Scouts, Hope Landing, Literacy Council, Salvation Army, Single Parent Scholarship Fund, South Arkansas Developmental Center for Children & Families, South Arkansas Fights AIDS and Turning Point.
For more information on Hallo-WienerPawLooza, contact the United Way at 870-862-4903.