By SCOTT D. JOHNSTON
In much of the country, the “dog days” of August means sweltering heat. But on Grays Harbor’s North Coast this month’s dog day is this Saturday, August 11, and the 7th annual Ocean Shores Woof-a-Thon.
Dubbed by its founder, Wilma Spike, as “the most fun day of the year for your dog – and you,” the event that doubles as a party for pooches and people and fund-raiser for area animal charities runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the track and football field at North Beach Jr./Sr. High School.
In six years, the event has donated over $60,000 to pet-related non-profits and activities in the Harbor. This year’s beneficiaries are North Beach PAWS, PAWS of Grays Harbor, Harbor Rescue, Northwest Search & Rescue, and Ocean Shores Food Bank, which for years has included pet foods in its twice-monthly free food distributions.
The fund raising comes via direct donors, sponsors, vendors and a popular gift basket raffle that boasts dozens of donated goodie baskets created in a variety of themes. Nancy Oakes, who volunteered to be president of the local Woof-a-Thon’s registered non-profit following Spike’s retirement last year, noted that “it’s not too late for additional vendors and sponsors, and basket donations.” Interested parties can reach her at 307-250-3378.
The event opens at 10 a.m., with one of the highlights — the mass dog walk around the track — at 11. Two hundred or more dogs and even more humans are expected to participate. There is a Search and Rescue Team demonstration at 12 noon, and the basket raffle wraps up at 1 p.m. The event concludes at 2 p.m. Throughout the day, PAWS of Grays Harbor will be cooking and selling hamburgers and (wait for it) hot dogs.
“The Ocean Shores Woof-a-Thon continues the legacy started by Wilma,” Oakes said. “There is never enough money, volunteers or animal foster homes to assist all the rescue organizations we are blessed to have in Grays Harbor.”
Especially troublesome, Oakes explained, is that “we have such an issue with people not spaying and neutering,” leading to “a huge influx of abandoned animals at all times.” She added that there are many instances of animal abuse, and “many animals need loving foster homes.” At the event, Harbor Rescue will have photos and writeups of dogs currently in need of foster homes and will be taking applications. Information is available online at www.oceanshoreswoofathon.org.
August events
11-12: Body and Soul Festival. Learn all about a natural and homeopathic way of life. At the Ocean Shores Lions Club on Ocean Shores Blvd.
17-19: Ocean Shores Fan Fest & Beach Party, with events planned for Quinault Beach Resort & Casino, Oyhut Bay and the Ocean Shores Convention Center.
18: Gnome & Fairy Festival at Seabrook. A day of enchantment and outdoor play for the whole family, face painting, games, crafts and live animal encounters. Starts at 11 a.m.
Aug. 31-Sept. 2: AAOS Arts & Crafts Festival at the Convention Center: www.associatedarts.org. One of Western Washington’s largest indoor and outdoor handmade arts and crafts fair..
Aug. 31-Sept. 2: Annual Kelpers Festival and Shake Rat Rendezvous, featuring tug of war competition between Moclips and Pacific Beach, kid’s parade, full parade in Pacific Beach on Sunday, logging competitions.
September
1: Paddle the Shores: Saturday, Sept. 1. Oyhut Bay Seaside Village Canal. For kayak, canoe, rowing enthusiasts of all skill levels. Human-powered boat activities, races, Poker Paddle, picnic, seminars and the latest in paddling gear.
21-23: Whale of Quilt Show at the Ocean Shores Convention Center, (509) 715-9082 for information.
October
6: Big Foot Brew Festival at Seabrook, for craft beer enthusiasts, with some of the regions’ best breweries featured from noon to 5 p.m.
16-21: Irish Music Festival. The West Coast’s largest Irish music festival: 6 stages, 3 venues,including Galway Bay and the Convention Center in Ocean Shores, and 30 great bands. Come tip a pint and kick up your heels. For more information and a schedule visit www.galwaybayevents.com
November
3-4: Run From the Rain Indoor Kite Fly in Ocean Shores, sponsored by Ocean Shores Kites(oceanshoreskites.com). Call (360) 289-4103 for more information.
23-25: Winter Fanta-Sea pre-Christmas festival of holiday gifts and vendors, Ocean Shores Convention Center, (360) 289-9586.
