No cats allowed at Beaumont’s Dogtoberfest

Courtesy of Beaumont's Dogtoberfest

            Beaumont, Texas, is going to the dogs.

            From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, downtown Beaumont will be barking with Dogtoberfest, all happening at Central Bark, the green space between the Julie Rogers Theatre and the Beaumont Public Library. Bring your pooch and a plastic bag.

The fun begins at 8 a.m. with a Puppies and Pancakes Breakfast followed by the “Strutt your Mutt” Parade at 9 a.m. Contests include Master/Dog Look Alike, Cutest Dog, Most Talented Dog, Best Dressed, Best Tail Wagging and Best Howler (human and/or canine). In addition to the contests, Mr. & Mrs. Dogtoberfest 2015 will be chosen from the crowd and the winner of the Facebook Favorite (the canine receiving the most “likes” on the Beaumont Main Street Facebook page) will be announced. A style show showcases adoptable dogs dressed in Ruff Lauren and Canine Klein. Want to tell Fido’s future? Madam Poodle Paw reads paws. How about some pampering? There’s the Day SPAW and shopping at Neiman Barkus.

Courtesy of Beaumont's Dogtoberfest

For kids, there’s Pappy’s Barnyard with pony rides, a petting zoo and activities kids can do with their pets. A Bone Appetite Food Court exists near the Fountain of Woof and Puppy Dog Lane features dog rescue groups and canine advocates sharing information and awareness.

Admission is free but a minimal donation is required to compete in contests, participate in games and enjoy refreshments. All proceeds and sponsorships benefit the revitalization efforts of Beaumont’s historical downtown.
            For more information, call BeaumontMain Street at (409) 838-2202 or visit www.dogtoberfestbeaumont.com.

Dog days of autumn?

            Most people think the saying “dog days of summer” refers to it being so hot that everyone turns into dogs and lies around sleeping.

            The saying actually comes from the period of July through mid-August when Sirius, the dog constellation, is in the sky. Which is also when everyone turns into dogs and lies around sleeping.

            It’s now officially autumn (the first day of fall was Tuesday), but in the Deep South summer weather persists. Which might be why Texas has gone to the dogs.

            This Friday through Sunday, Sept. 26-28, canine athletes from Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana will compete in the South Central Regional Championship at Discovery Green in the heart of Houston. There will also be a doggie costume contest at 4:30 p.m. Saturday and America’s Got Talent-winning Olate Dogs — a high-energy, fast-paced theatrical act — performing pet tricks at 7 p.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday. 

            For information, visit http://www.discoverygreen.com.

            Over in Beaumont, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, it’s DOGtober Fest, a fido-friendly event with food at the Bone Appetit Food Court, music and canine activities such as contests for Master/Dog Look Alike, Cutest Dog, Best Howlin’ Dog and Best Dressed Dog. In addition, there will be Bark Art, The SPAW, The Barkery, PAW Readings, Neiman Barkus shopping, Strutt Your Mutt Parade and more.

            It’s all free and happening at the grassy area between the Julie Rodgers Theatre at 765 Pearl St. and the Beaumont Public Library at 801 Pearl St. in downtown Beaumont.
            DOGtober is presented by Beaumont Main Street and was named Texas’ best downtown event by the Texas Downtown Association in 2013. Can I get a bark? For information, visit http://www.dogtoberfestbeaumont.com/.

Cheré Coen is an award-winning travel writer specializing in the Deep South. She is also the author of “Forest Hill, Louisiana: A Bloom Town History,” “Haunted Lafayette, Louisiana” and “Exploring Cajun Country: A Historic Guide to Acadiana” and co-author of “Magic’s in the Bag: Creating Spellbinding Gris Gris Bags and Sachets.” Write her at cherecoen@gmail.com.