Canines on the Creek

Francis Scott Key Lions Club is hosting “Canines on the Creek,” a celebration of Frederick’s dog-loving past and present. The event features a dog parade and Halloween costume contest for dogs and owners, exhibits, prizes, giveaways, and demonstrations. Then event will be held at the Carroll Creek Linear Park amphitheater area in downtown Frederick on Saturday, October 28 from 2 to 5 pm, rain or shine.  This event is held in conjunction with the Downtown Frederick Partnership and the nonprofit group Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Advance or in-person registration for the dog costume contest and parade is $25 per dog. Or you can simply come out and watch the fun for free. Participants can register at www.fsklions.org/canines.

Monetary and pet food donations are always welcome but not mandatory. Exhibitors and sponsors are needed, too. Dog-oriented business pay $75 for exhibit space.

The following exhibitors have confirmed their attendance as of this writing: Animal Welfare League of Frederick County, Bark Busters Home Dog Training, BYD Pet Services, Care Vet Center, CHAAMP Malamute Rescue, Confetti Dogs, Dogtopia, Dog Training with Lisa, Dream Catcher Design, Fetch Thrift Shop, Frederick Animal Control, Good Dog Goodies, Green K9, Greenbriar Vet Hospital & Pet Resort, Green Valley Animal Hospital, Maryland Dog Company, MD Insurance Administration, Megan Purtell Photography, Petco, and Sato Snacks.  Care Vet Center and Logic Ops are sponsors for the event.

New this year, Breakaway Action Dogs will provide a dog agility demonstration at the amphitheater.

All proceeds from the event benefit Leader Dogs for the Blind (www.leaderdog.org), an organization the Lions founded and are intimately involved. Leader Dogs for the Blind provides guide dog training, matching services, and client orientation and mobility training leading to a life of independence and confidence for blind and low-sight individuals.

Judging categories for the costume contest are best owner and dog look-alikes, best small breed costume, best medium breed costume, and best large breed costumes. All dogs must be well behaved on a leash and up to date on vaccinations at time of registration. Members of local Lions Clubs serve as judges. Many of our exhibitors will also provide costume contest prizes, door prizes and periodic giveaways to attendees.

“The parade and costume contest are a lot of fun,” according to FSK Lions event chair Gary Bennett. “The last three years, the event has featured a St. Patrick’s Day theme and 4^th of July these, respectively. We decided to move our event to Halloween and keep it there because of the ease of coming up with a costume and to take advantage of Frederick’s usually spectacular weather in October.”

“We not only have the parade and costume contest, according to Bennett, “but also an agility demonstration by Breakaway Action Dogs, which should be a lot of fun, comments from a Leader Dog trainer, and therapy dogs for petting and cuddling provided by Go Team.”

“This is for a great cause. Training and providing leader dogs for blind individuals is very expensive but very much needed by the blind and low-sight community.  Lions have always been especially supportive of this group,” said Bennett.

Visit fsklions.org/canines for more information or to register as a participant or exhibitor.

Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club organization with over 1.4 million members in approximately 48,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1917, Lions Clubs have assisted the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth. Lions Clubs are comprised of individuals who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs.

If you are community-minded, consider joining FSK Lions Club or any local Lions Club.  FSK Lions Club meets second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm at the Elks Lodge on Willowdale Road in Frederick. For reservations, contact membership chair Suzanne Everhart at 301-514-8730.

Community-minded persons interested in becoming a Lion and joining the FSK Lions Club should visit fsklions.org or contact membership chair Suzanne Everhart at membership@fsklions or 301-514-8730.