Woofstock dog festival, costume contest to be held this month
CHILLICOTHE― Ross County's furriest festival is back.
The Ross County Park District's third annual free Woofstock event will be held at Maple Grove Prarie from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 24. Park marketing coordinator Colleen McCord said the first Woofstock was organized as Maple Grove Prarie's grand opening event for the leash-free dog area. However, the event was so successful that it became a yearly festival.
"I want people that don't have dogs to feel like they can come," McCord said. "It's leaning more towards a community festival, but obviously the more dogs the merrier."
The event will have a 5k dog jog, a dog costume contest, vendors and lots of green space for dogs to play.
The 5K dog jog is an out-and-back course on a portion of the Paint Creek Recreational Trail hosted by the Southern Ohio Canine Search and Rescue Team (SOCS).
Arron Kerns, field supporter for SOCS, said the funds raised from Woofstock will provide ongoing training for the dogs, handlers and field support members.
"This training will ensure our team has the most up-to-date information pertaining to Search and Rescue techniques," Kerns said. "It ensures our team is performing at peak capabilities in order to provide quality service to those who may call upon SOCS for a search."
The raised funds will also be used to purchase equipment for the team, such as communication radios.
Dogs are not required to participate in the race. Pre-registry starts at 7:30 a.m. and the race begins at 9 a.m.
There is a $30 race registration fee for those who register online before 7:30 a.m. on June 24 and a $35 fee for those who register on the day of the race.
Coffee will be available for the runners prior to the race. $50 gift certificates will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers, donated by Buffalo Wild Wings in Chillicothe. A yoga and cool-down area will be available after the race.
Racers can sign up for the race in advance here.
SOCS will also host a dog costume contest. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 1:30 p.m when judging will take place. A cash prize will be awarded to the winner. All proceeds will benefit SOCS.
A variety of vendors will be available.
Dogs and humans are welcome to explore the outdoor area throughout the festival.
Maple Grove Prarie is located at 44 Anderson Station Rd.
Megan Becker is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. Call her at 740-349-1106, email her at mbecker@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @BeckerReporting
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Woofstock dog festival, 5k, costume contest to be held in Ross County
