Just For Fun
Calling all dog owners and pet lovers, or even families looking for some fun this weekend!
Hosted by the Cape Coral Parks and Recreation Department, the Just For Fun Dog Show will kick off on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Rotary Park Environmental Center. It is the annual event’s fourth year.
Check-in and registration will begin at 9:30 a.m.
“Every year it’s grown,” Honey Phillips, an environmental recreation specialist for the city, said.
“We’ve had more and more people register each year,” she added.
Owners can register their four-legged loved ones for a mix of contests, including Best Costume, Bad Hair Dog Day, Longest Ears, Cutest Dog, Dog/Owner Like-a-Like, Best Kisser, Waggiest Tail, Fastest Sit, Favorite Rescue, Saddest Eyes and Musical Fit, which is just like musical chairs – but for dogs.
First, second and third place in each will be awarded prizes.
“When they register, they automatically go into the Best in Show and People’s Choice,” Phillips said.
The Best in Show and People’s Choice winners will take home a gift basket put together by Pet Supermarket. They will also win a ribbon, certificate and $15 gift certificate for Rotary Park.
“They provide two nice baskets of goodies,” she said.
The first place winners will get a ribbon, certificate and $15 gift certificate for Rotary Park. Second place will earn a ribbon, certificate and $10 gift certificate, and third place will take home a ribbon.
“You don’t have to have the finest dog in town to win a prize,” Phillips said.
“Any dog is welcome,” she added.
The cost is $6 to register for one category, $20 for four categories or $25 for unlimited categories.
Spectators are free.
“Last year, I think we had about 30 dogs that actually participated in the show itself,” she said, adding that many people brought out their dogs but did not register them. “We had a pretty good audience.”
Pet adoption facilities will be on site, such as the Gulf Coast Humane Society and Animal Refuge Center. Some of the other vendors will include an Italian ice maker and the Cape Coral Pet Vet.
“They’ll be doing microchipping and toenail clipping for a fee,” Phillips said.
The only dog park in the Cape, Rotary Park has over 850 members.
“So we like to have dog-related things for people who love dogs to do here,” she said.
Organizers encouraged families and the public to stop by the event.
“Everybody really seems to enjoy this,” Phillips said.
“We just want people to come out and have a good time and enjoy the park,” she added.
To register in advance, stop by the Rotary Park Environmental Center.
For more information, contact 239-549-4606 or rotaryparkinfo@capecoral.net.
People can also visit online at: www.CapeParks.com.
The Rotary Park Environmental Center is at 5505 Rose Garden Road, in south Cape Coral.