NOTE: We received word Friday afternoon that the Dog Days of Oxford has been rescheduled for SUNDAY, Sept. 13. Same times, different day.
Is your dog the best kisser? Or is he or she magnificent at wagging their tails?
Then you may be interested in going to the tenth annual Dog Days of Oxford Community Day and Home Show.
The event will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, (rain date is Sunday Sept. 13) at Center School in Oxford.
The canine contests will start at 10 a.m., with 10 dog contests, including “best kisser,” “most handsome,” “most glamorous,” “best tail wagger,” “ best retriever,” “most vocal,” “most obedient” and “best costume.’’
Marlies Sullivan, chairman of the event, said there will be over 125 vendors selling everything from jewelry, home-made soaps, pet supplies, hand bags, T‑shirts, paintings, bird houses, flowers, kitchen supplies, gourmet food products, books, wood furniture, and much more.
“We’re one of the biggest doggie fairs in the state,’’she said.
Sullivan said that this year they will be introducing, “The Green Path,” featuring a series of educational booths and displays focusing on how to lead an eco-friendly life style and ways to opt for environmentally friendly alternatives.
She said there will also be a home show featuring local area businesses that will be offering landscaping, masonry, wood & pellet stoves, insurance, banking, real estate, financial planning, home improvements and more will be marketing their products and services.
There will also be canine demonstrations in obedience and search and rescue throughout the day. A pet and people psychic will also be on hand to offer her services. There will also be activities for children, a food court and music.
You may just go home with a new pet, as local rescue groups including North Shore Animal League, Labs4rescue, Golden Retriever Rescue, Danbury Animal Welfare Society, Animals For Life, 3 Bunnies Rescue, Ferret Rescue Organization of CT and CT Guinea Pig Rescue will be offering the opportunity to adopt animals.
Sullivan said they expect thousands to attend and that last year they raised $16,000, which went directly to help the Oxford dog pound and care of animals.
Sandy Merry, the town’s animal control officer, said the event helps provide money that goes to the animal shelter.
“It’s been absolutely very helpful over the years.It helps us buy supplies and extra food,’’ Merry said.
The donation is: $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 4 – 12. Children under 3 are free.
All proceeds benefit the Oxford Animal Shelter.
Parking is at the school,but Sullivan said they will also have a bus transporting people from Quaker Farms School to Center School from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Small dogs, if the can be carried, will be allowed on the bus
The dog pound committee is comprised of: Sullivan, chairperson, Paula Jensen, treasurer Sandy Pantaleo, secretary Lori Pokladowski, committee member and Cori Wlasuk, committee member.
Check out the group’s Web site: www.dogdaysofoxford.com
