Dog lovers prepare for Muttzanita Festival

Published 5:01 am Monday, September 9, 2013

MANZANITA Only in this coastal village of dog lovers could a canine-centric festival grow by leaps and bounds every year for four years running.

This year will mark the fifth annual Muttzanita Festival, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 at 144 Laneda Ave. The event is sponsored by Four Paws on the Beach.

Every since the first year, I have been amazed at the number of people attending our festival,¨ said Muttzanita founder Dan Nichols, who co-owns Four Paws on the Beach with his wife, Barbara. ¨People and pets come out in droves to have a fun time and support a number of great local charities.

As with previous years, the event will feature exciting contests for you and your pet, including an expanded version of the ever-popular ChuckIt Toss. Other Muttzanita favorites, including the Pet Parade through downtown Manzanita, and the big finale, the Pet Talent and Fashion Show, are also on tap.

For those who prefer their fun on the sidelines, the festival will include a silent auction of quality items for bid as well as raffles.

Muttzanita raises funds for local nonprofit organizations, including United Paws, which provides spay and neuter programs among other pet-related services throughout Tillamook County, and the Rotary Club of North Tillamook County to support local programs including the Rinehart Clinic, the North County Food Bank, the Coho Salmon Project and the Pine Grove Handicap Access Ramp. The event has generated more than $25,000 for local charities in four years.

There will be informative product demonstrations and many other activities for you and your pooch plus live entertainment, human food and a whole lot of fun.

You can get the latest information by visiting www.muttzanita.com or by calling Four Paws on the Beach at 503-368-3436.