If you don’t already have plans for the Fourth of July weekend, why not spend the day watching your dog race against other canines?
On July 2, the Coast Valleys Pony Club will hold the third annual Los Alamos Dog Races at Arthur Ferrini Park, across the street from the Union Hotel in downtown Los Alamos.
This event is open to all dogs, with canines being separated into different divisions by height. There are even special categories for “over the hill” dogs and pooches that are athletically challenged.
Winning dogs will receive prizes donated by local vendors and bragging rights for being the “fastest pooch.” The prizes include gift cards to Petsmart and local restaurants. All entrants will receive a free doggie bag filled with food samples, dog beds, toys, and other goodies.
Last year, more than 50 dogs entered the races, but this year the club is hoping to have at least 100 entries.
In addition to dog races, local vendors will be selling food at the event. Coast Valleys Pony Club will also be holding a bake sale.
This event benefits four young Pony Club members being sent to Kentucky in July for the United States Pony Club National Festival and Championship. Local Pony Club members qualified for the triennial event through participation in regional rallies.
Crystal Moreno, mother of one of the girls competing at the championship, described the Pony Club as “an important organization.”
“It develops strong character, leadership, and confidence in the club members,” Moreno told the Sun. “The club teaches stable management, English riding, and how to compete.”
These girls will be competing in events such as dressage, eventing, mounted games, polocrosse, quiz, show jumping, and tetrathon.
Interested owners can register their dogs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. to compete in the races or costume contest, with races getting underway at 6 p.m. sharp. Dogs can be registered for $5 before July 2 and $7 on the day of the races.
For more information, call Madeleine at the Gentleman Farmer at 344-4111.
Intern Malory Ensor compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jun 30 – Jul 7, 2011.