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Celebrating “all things dog,” the annual Dogtoberfest Celebration makes its return to Globe this month.
The event will include a dog walk, dog games, costume contests, food (for both people and dogs), canine skill demonstrations, raffles and booths with promotional items, says organizer Thea Wilshire.
Sponsored by the City of Globe, the event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Old Dominion Mine Park, 163 E. Murphy St., Globe.
“It’s a blast and not to be missed,” she said.
The event is open to anyone who loves dogs and “well-behaved” dogs on leashes no longer than six feet, Wilshire said.
To allow all people to participate, the entry fee will be by donation. Suggested donations are Park Pal (one person, no dog) $10; Canine Couple (one person, one dog) $15 and a Dog Pack (one person, two dogs) $20.
One-hundred percent of proceeds will go toward the development of the new dog park currently under construction.
With what Wilshire calls a “variety of different events,” the Oct. 26 celebration will include:
A short (one-mile, mostly flat) and a long (two-mile) walk, sponsored by the Globe Public Library, which boasts its own walking group, she said.
A dog activity zone will include “search and find games” and doggie brain teasers, canine art, make-your-own dog leash and clothes and toys, as well as dog pools for splashing around in.
Costume contests for a variety of categories, such as fantasy/superhero, sports figures, best owner and dog duo, best ensemble and best of show. There may also be non-costumed contests, such as a dog and owner look-alike contest, smallest and biggest dogs, youngest and oldest, etc.
The Town of Miami is loaning Dogtoberfest its small-dog race course for a race Wilshire named the “Subwoofer contest ” for dogs under 10 pounds.
The event’s “Barks and Recreation Show” will include dog-related demonstrations such as Frisbee golf dogs and canine dance duos. The local 4-H Dog Agility team will also be there to put their dogs through the paces.
The “working dogs” will also show off their skills, with the Globe Fire Department’s K-9 Evo demonstrating how he does arson investigations and Gila County’s drug-sniffing dog demonstrating his own investigative techniques.
Dog booths will feature a variety of topics, including dog services, health, safety, products and art.
For owners wanting to capture Fido’s best side, a local photographer will be set up to take pet portraits.
Those who attend Dogtoberfest sans dog may change that, as both High Desert Humane Society and Gila County Animal Control will be there with adoption booths.
“It should be a fun event,” Wilshire says.
For more info, call Thea Wilshire 928-200-8733.
The City of Globe held a dog park meeting onsite Sept. 19, attended by pet owners (and their dogs) who use the park regularly. The meeting was led by organizer Thea Wilshire and City of Globe Public Works Superintendent John Angulo, who are spearheading efforts to construct a new dog park nearby. With plans to return the current dog park to its original use as a baseball field, the city had promised not to do so until the new dog park is in place. Photo by Carol Broeder.
K-9 Mine Bark Park
Last month, city officials held a meeting with the dog park users group at the current park atop Noftger Hill to discuss plans for a new dog park.
According to Thea Wilshire, who is spearheading the effort to establish a new dog park, a study on public lands shows that the hottest new city park issue to hit America is dog-friendly parks where pooches can run free.
The study points out what Globe residents already know; that as their dogs rollick and romp with other dogs, there is time to form relationships, enjoy your neighbors and share community information with each other. All of which contribute to quality of life.
Here in Globe, nearly 50 pet owners showed up at the meeting several weeks ago to discuss the new park. The city would like to return the current dog park, a retired ball field at Noftsger Hill, back to its original use, so plans have been underway to develop a permanent dog park with some much needed improvement. The Globe City Council recently allocated $30,000 for cement pads, ramadas, benches and other amenities including shade trees and possible wash station.
In addition, Wilshire and others have been busy raising additional funds through booths at the farmers’ market and other community activities.
Dogtoberfest serves as a major fundraiser and proceeds from this event will go towards more amenities for the park.
With a date yet to be determined, Wilshire notes that 2019 may be the year when the “k-9 Mine bark Park opens in Globe.
NOTE: Look for more information on the new dog park in upcoming issues of GMTimes.
Award winning journalist with over 18 years experience in covering local news and issues affecting rural communities. Married 37 years, my life has taken me from Phoenix to Willcox to Globe. My husband and I are both overjoyed to find ourselves in Globe-Miami, with its rich history and sense of community. This is truly home.
