Poochapalooza, to quote children’s author P.D. Eastman, is a big dog party.
This party has music, flyball, exhibitions, contests and — new this year — wiener dog races.
Poochapalooza is in its seventh year and is a rousing good time for two- and four-legged visitors.
You can have a seat and watch the Fashions &Rescues Runway Show at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. It’s a free show that not only features the latest in doggie fashion but also stars adoptable dogs modeling the glitzy wear.
The dogs will strut such glamorous outfits that you might be reminded of runways in Paris and New York City, though the fashions are the latest from Seattle-based high-fashion doggie wear designers.
These dogs are looking their best not to win a prize but to find new loving homes. The emcee is Dorothy Moore, owner of The Dining Dog Cafe &Bakery in Edmonds.
You could also enjoy rooting for your favorite little cutie during the Dachshund races. These little dogs are battling for trophies, prizes and bragging rights at the first-ever Running of the Wieners.
The race starts at 2 p.m. Saturday and dachshunds will compete in races that highlight their speed, cunning and cuteness. This is a timed competition on a grass track stretching 25 yards from start to finish. Don’t be surprised if some racers take time out along the way to greet their fans and sniff a few onlookers.
Day-of-event registration is $10 per dog to race. Semi-final winners will compete in the grand finale race held sometime between 2:20 and 3 p.m.
You and your dog don’t have to spend Poochapalooza as onlookers. You can get your doggie involved in the competition by entering him or her in the 2013 Hyperflite Skyhoundz Canine Flying Disc Local Championship that starts at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Or maybe your pooch wants something a little more low key, such as participating in the Canine Good Citizen Testing.
There are also lots of Best in Show contests that begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday such as the Best Costume, Best Voice, Best Kisser, Highest Jumper, Wackiest Pet Trick, Biggest and Smallest Dog and Cutest Ugly Dog.
And what dog doesn’t like pie?
Dogs can participate in a pie-eating contest at noon Saturday. Dogs are split up into small and big dog categories. The contests are hosted by Dining Dog Cafe and Bakery. Only doggies with hearty appetites need register. To register, use the online form on their website.
Cost to enter is $10 per dog. Top finishers will receive blue ribbons, and each contestant will receive a gift certificate to dine at the Dining Dog Cafe.
Poochapalooza is sponsored by M-DOG, the volunteer group that maintains Marysville’s Strawberry Fields for Rover Off-Leash Park and M-DOG’s community activities.
The seventh annual Poochapalooza runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Strawberry Fields Athletic Park, 6100 152nd St. NE, Marysville, home of Strawberry Fields for Rover Off-Leash Park.
General admission is $5-plus suggested donation. A goodie bag goes to the first 400 visitors; donations support M-DOG.
Theresa Goffredo: 425-339-3424; tgoffredo@heraldnet.com.
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