Dolores has a new festival this summer, and your pooch is invited.
The inaugural SummerFest will take place July 17 at Joe Rowell Park and features a dog carnival, car show, live music and vendors.
The Dolores Chamber of Commerce event fills a gap between Dolores River Days in June and Escalante Days in August, said chamber director Susan Lisak.
“Instead of just dog friendly, we decided to put on a dog carnival. We have all the other fun summer stuff like car shows and live bands,” she said.
Entry is $10 for adults, and $8 for teenagers 13-17. Kids 12 and younger get in free. Order online and get a 30% discount with the code GoDolores30%
There will be a dog and owner look-alike costume contest, a dog parade and conga line, dog-owner obstacle course and pet vendors.
Cortez Animal Shelter, Obe’s Angels Rescue and Denkai Animal Sanctuary will be set up to provide information and dog adoptions.
“The crowd can go and see all the dogs, play with them and maybe adopt one,” Lisak said.
Dog hydration areas and dog waste bags will be available. All dogs must be leashed.
The car show will feature classic, modern and custom rides with 10 categories. The winners will be chosen by the audience.
The categories are for best in show and best car, truck, motorcycle, muscle car, paint job, rat rod, agriculture vehicle, interior and engine. Enter your vehicle for $25.
So far, 25 vendors have signed up, Lisak said, and spaces are available. Nonfood vendors are charged $50, and food vendors $75.
Four bands will perform, including Bentley Monk at 1 p.m., Maddy and Kev at 3 p.m. and Flashback at 5 p.m.
The Dolores Fire Department will create a giant foam pile, a mixture of soap and water, for kids to play in.
For adults, the Snaggletooth Bar will serve local beers, ciders and wine.
To volunteer, buy tickets, sign up for the car show, be a vendor or for more information, go to visitdolores.com
jmimiaga@the-journal.com
