Rain may have been in the forecast, but it was not enough to keep dogs and their owners away from Hastings’ Paws in the Park event Sept. 24 at Rivertown Dog Park.
The event went on as scheduled despite light rain during the evening, and organizers prepared for the weather by setting up canopies at activity stations. The precautions paid off, as people continued to arrive throughout the event, filling the dog park with pets, families, vendors and activities.
Paws in the Park featured 20 interactive booths, according to Paige Marschall Bigler with the City of Hastings. Four additional booths canceled because of the rain, but the remaining lineup still gave visitors plenty to explore during the 5 to 6:30 p.m. event.
Fluegel's Lawn Garden and Pet Supply served as the event sponsor and was onsite with goodie bags for dogs. The event also brought together a wide range of local and regional pet businesses, veterinary providers, animal organizations and community partners.
Participants included Town and Country Vet, South Metro Animal Emergency Care, Hastings Vet Clinic, Get Real Dog Training, Golden Dog Pantry, Chuck and Don's Cottage Grove and Hastings, Animal Ark, Rio Grooming School and Salon, Riverside Pet Resort, Just Dogs Gourmet Treats, Hound Around Resort, Fleet Farm, Rio Gran, Emotional Rescue, River Bluff Humane Society, Invisible Fence, Royal Pet, the Hastings Police Department and Caffeinated Rooster.
Visitors could stop at dog-friendly booths, take part in activities and pick up treats and toy giveaways. Drawings and prize baskets were also part of the evening, while Caffeinated Rooster offered dinner and drink options near the park.
One of the highlights was the Strut Your Mutt Costume Contest, held at 6 p.m. Chuck and Don's Cottage Grove and Hastings provided prize baskets for the top three finishers.
Sadie took first place dressed as a blackjack dealer. Willow earned second place with a Waste Management costume, while Honey Bee finished third.
The event was designed for dogs that enjoy social settings, but organizers also made sure pets that are less comfortable around crowds were not left out. Owners were encouraged to attend without their dogs and bring home treats and toys for them afterward.
Despite the wet weather, the turnout showed that a little rain was not going to spoil an evening built around dogs, their owners and the Hastings community.