What’s even cuter than a leprechaun and far furrier? In the wake of St. Patrick’s Day, another equally important holiday will be celebrated in Hernando County: St. Puppy’s Day!
This annual fund-raiser for the Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central will be celebrated from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday, March 18, at the Rotary Centennial Dog Park.
Centennial Park, appropriately enough, is the only dog park in Hernando County. Mark your calendar for a day of fun with your furry friends at the Rotary Centennial Dog Park at 10375 Sandlor St, Spring Hill, FL 34608.
Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central Spokesperson Kiani Segree stated, “The event planners will have sponsors, vendors, contests, and fun for all ages.”
The event will also feature music, games with prizes, and food. St. Puppy’s Day is described as an annual fun dog event that also raises funds to “do good” around Hernando County. “We are going to be doing St. Puppy’s Day every year as our large annual event. Every year there can be new recipients,” said Segree. “We utilize this event to raise money, and it goes right back into the community on our giving day.”
This past year’s recipients are:
Boys & Girls Club of Hernando County
New Beginnings
Camp Florida
Hernando County Dog Park
Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando County
St. Puppy’s Day will be celebrated at the eight-acre dog park borne and built from a partnership formed between the Hernando County Parks and Recreation and Spring Hill Central Rotary Club. The park includes the county’s inaugural dog park, which features three runs for large, small, and service dogs. Additional amenities include picnic shelters, a pavilion, and restrooms.
Some of the planned activities will include: Owner/Dog Look-Alike Contest, Best Dressed Shamrock/Irish Dog/Owner, Jump Through the Hoop Contest, Frisbee or Ball Catching Contest, Best Trained in Obedience and Pet Tricks. Other activities will include dog adoptions, obedience training/demonstrations, and pet merchandise drawings/prizes.
Pet-related vendors and food trucks will also play an important role in St. Puppy’s Day. “The activities will be dog contests, such as the Cutest Costume and Kiss the Judge (Best Kiss), vendors, food, music, 50/50 raffle, and gift baskets,” said Segree.
St. Puppy’s Day also boasts an online component via the online Cutest Dog Contest conducted at https://stpuppy.com/cute-puppy-page. Participants can submit their dogs’ photos to be posted online, donating at least $1 to enter. Anyone viewing this page can vote for the dog. Each vote is only $1, $5 for five votes, $10 for ten votes, etc. Votes will be accepted between now and St. Puppy’s Day on March 18. Proceeds from this contest will help the Rotary Club of Spring Hill Central do good in Hernando County. Visit the website for various ways to enter the contest. The dog photo that generates the most funds for Rotary will win the contest and receive a special prize.
Regardless of who wins the contest, whether it’s a Luck of the Irish Setter, a Blarney Beagle, or a Shamrock Shepherd, the dogs of Hernando all will be honored at this year’s St. Puppy’s Day.
