Dogs are allowed this Sunday, Oct. 2 at Jones Road Park in Lacey Township, as the Rotary Club of Forked River holds its first annual Doggie Derby from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Rotary Club Service Projects Director Tony Angona said it will be a fun day for the community.
“So many people are into dogs today -- young families and older people have dogs for pets,” said Angona. “It serves a good purpose because it will help fund some of the projects we do.”
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Every half hour throughout the day will feature another activity, including novelty competitions, such as Best Kisser, Waggiest, Ugliest, Most Handsome, Best Veteran Dog, and Dog that Looks Most Like Owner.
There will be demonstrations from police dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs and other service animals.
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There even will be a dog square dance, where owners can square dance with their dogs.
Dog-related and other vendors will be on hand, some giving away free samples of products. Radio station WOBM will do announcements and give away prizes.
A pet photographer will be available for those who wish to have a potrait done with their pet.
“We are encouraging people to bring their dog in costume because we will have a parade,” said Angona.
In addition to the dog-themed activities, there will be face painting, tattoos and pumpkin painting, as well as classic cars on display.
The Interact Club from Lacey Township High School, a club sponsored by the Rotary, will be there helping out and selling cupcakes.
The Rotary Club of Forked River gives out $25,000 in scholarships each year and fund numerous charitable activities, according to Angona.
“The proceeds serve the needs of the community,” he said. “We do the Elf program where we buy gifts for needy families during the holidays and we have a Thanksgiving program. Last year we fed over 200 families Thanksgiving dinner.”
Working with the Moose Lodge, Angona said each group donated $10,000 to bring back Lacey Day this year, which was held in August. The event included many fun activities and food was available at no cost.
“If a family is going through a hard time, they need some fun,” said Angona. “The town needs that day to come together and bond and no one has to put their hand in their pocket.”
Angona said they’re hoping to make the Doggie Derby an annual event. He said a thousand dogs participated in a similar event held by the Rotary Club of Brick Township.
“It’s going to be a fun day, bring your dog and show your dog off to everyone else,” he said. “But you don’t need a pet -- just come to watch and enjoy the food and activities.”
Admission is $5, with children 10 and under free. There will be an additional $2 registration fee for each event for competing canines. “Doggie bags” will be given to everyone in attendance.
The Rotary Club is made up of business and professional leaders who provide “humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards…and help build goodwill and peace in the world,” according to the Rotary of Forked River’s website. About 1.2 million people belong to more than 34,000 Rotary clubs worldwide.
