Pooch days of summer

MARYSVILLE – Olympic Disc Dogs will demonstrate their air-defying Frisbee-catching skills in a new event at 10 a.m. at the 11th annual Poochapalooza Outdoor Dog Festival that will take place July 8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Asbery Field at Fourth and Alder.

Highlights include the Fashions and Rescues Runway Show, featuring adoptable dogs from regional rescue groups, at 12:30 p.m. and the Running of the Wieners dachshund races and mixed breed trophy races at 11 a.m.

Returning festival demonstrations include a Barn Hunt Association event at 10 a.m. that pits vermin-ridding dogs on a search for a rat in a container buried within a hay bale maze, and lure coursing exhibitions with fleet-footed hounds chasing after white plastic bags (mimicking rabbits) attached to a moving line of string, also at 10 a.m.

At 10:30 a.m. there will be Pet Contests for Best Costume, Best Voice and Best Kisser. Canine Good Citizen Testing will be available with a 10-step observation recognizing your pooch as obedient around people and other dogs.

Dogs with a hidden talent can enter fun “Best in Show” and pie-eating contests at noon. At 3:15 p.m., there will be more Pet Contests for Celebrity Lookalike, Most Tricks in 20 Seconds, Biggest Dog and Smallest Dog. Dozens of vendors will sell unique dog-related products. The Marysville Dog Owners Group, which hosts the biggest dog event in Snohomish County, will have several pet raffle baskets. Food will be available for purchase.

“The ‘Pooch’ is a fun, romping day out for pets and families, with a chance for the dogs to get in on the action and activities themselves,” said M-Dog President Leslie Buell.

Donation cost is $5 for one contest, or $10 for unlimited contests. Register and pay at the event or online. For details call Buell at 425-268-5285, email labuell@frontier.com or visit the website at poochapalooza.org. Poochapalooza, M-DOG’s annual major fundraiser, is using this year’s event to raise money to replace the aging fence at the 3-acre Strawberry Fields for Rover Off-Leash Park.