MANSFIELD, Ohio – The Humane Society of Richland County’s (HSRC) 13th annual Strutt Your Mutt Canine Festival is not only the organization’s biggest fundraiser, it is also an event that welcomes the family dog.
The event will take place Aug. 22 at the Richland County Fairgrounds, where from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., “man’s best friend” will take center stage.
Dog shows and contests will offer pet owners a chance to show off their canine companion’s skill with events like “Musical Sits,” similar to musical chairs, and the Treat Toss Challenge. There will also be talent and best-of-show competitions, and even a costume contest.
The Akron-Canton Terrier Club will feature “lurecoursing,” an event in which dogs compete for time, chasing a mechanically operated lure around a winding, fenced-in course.
The event offers a 5K Run/Walk which will be chip-timed by OhioRaceDay.com. Pet owners may race with or without their dogs. The race fee is $20 for people and $10 for dogs. Fees increase after Aug. 15. More information, as well as online registration, is available at the website. All participants registering early will receive an event T-shirt, and canines will receive a bandana.
The dog walkathon offers participants a chance to strutt their mutt and raise money for the humane society in the process. A pledge sheet may be downloaded from the website. Participants have a chance to win a prize for raising the most money for the abandoned and neglected animals of Richland County.
A rummage sale, raffle, bake sale, and vendor expo will round out the event, offering something for everyone, even those that do not own pets.
The Strutt Your Mutt Canine Festival will be held rain or shine. Admission is free but donations of cash, pet food, kitty litter, and other pet items will be accepted at the door.
