Paws in the Park free dog festival set for Sept. 22

The St. Charles County Parks Department is celebrating its ninth annual Paws in the Park program from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 22, at Broemmelsiek Park, 1615 Schwede Rd., off of Hwy. DD (Winghaven Blvd.) near Wentzville. This year’s event will be held inside the unique Off-Leash Dog Area of the park, which features a large pond for dogs to splash around and play in.

Pet lovers from across the region are invited to attend this fun, free off-leash dog festival packed with contests, prizes, sponsor giveaways, and K-9 and obedience skills demonstrations. The first 100 guests receive a doggie goodie bag filled with surprises.

“Paws in the Park has grown to be one of St. Charles County’s most popular programs of the year,” said Parks Director Bettie Yahn-Kramer.

This year, two highly recognized organizations will be the featured entertainment at the event.  From 10:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., enjoy exciting performances by Gateway DockDogs.  Handlers Sally Peyton and Katrina Lindmeier will showcase their dogs performing tricks off the temporary dock installed at the pond.

Beginning at 11:30 a.m., two specially trained dogs from the St. Charles County Sheriff K-9 Unit, Janko and Enzo, will conduct a series of drug search demonstrations using a seized car, followed by obedience skills demonstrations lead by Deputy Doug Warmann and Deputy Gary Schmitt.

These engaging performances are suitable for all ages.

At 12:30 p.m., pet owners can begin signing their dogs up for the Best Trick and Fastest Pond Ball Retrieval contests. The dogs will be judged on trick originality and ball retrieval speed. The top dogs will be awarded a $25 debit card courtesy of First State Bank.

Also at the event, park guests will have a chance to win a few lavish prizes that will be raffled off at the end of the day.  By donating a $1 for each item, recipients may win a $100 gift certificate to Harper’s Doggie Day Care, a $100 gift certificate to Hawk Ridge Family Chiropractic and a vaccination package valued at $133 to Tender Care Animal Hospital.  All proceeds donated will benefit the two St. Charles County Parks Off-Leash Dog Areas situated at Broemmelsiek Park and Quail Ridge Park.  Recipients need not be present to win.

A few event sponsors will be offering the following dog-friendly services at the celebration:  $10 micro-chipping and dog adoption provided by the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center, free nail clippings administered by Westinn Kennels and free pet tattoos courtesy of Paws and Relax Pet Spa.
In addition to the dog-friendly services, sponsors donated the following products to be given away as attendance prizes throughout the day:

• Dog toys and coupons provided by PetSmart
• Pet gift basket provided by Paws and Relax Pet Spa
• $25 gift certificate to Westinn Kennels
• A boarding and grooming gift certificate for Yuppy Puppy Pet Spa
• Free pet food samples and coupons provided by PETCO of Dardenne Prairie
• Pet gift basket courtesy WestInn Kennels
• Frontline applications provided by Crossroads Veterinary Hospital and Mobile Vet
• Two gift baskets supplied by PETCO of Dardenne Prairie
• Two grooming gift certificates to Paws and Relax Pet Spa
• $50 gift certificate to Lady Bug Snow Cones
• Pet gift basket courtesy Sebastien’s Pet Salon

While enjoying an afternoon of fun festivities, dog owners and their four-legged friends can purchase some tasty treats for lunch.  Members of the Guardians Auto Club will hold a BBQ fundraiser to benefit needy St. Charles County families and Lady Bug Snow Cones will be selling tropical icy treats even Fido can enjoy.

For more information about the Paws in the Park celebration or to become a sponsor, contact Parks Marketing Coordinator Nancy Gomer at 949-7535.