Longboat Key’s Fourth of July most patriotic dog contest was a virtual success.
When thunder, lightning, and torrential rain forced the cancellation of the Longboat Key Chamber of Commerce Freedom Fest on July 4th, the dog lovers who had registered for the Rotary Club of Longboat Key’s “Hot Diggity Dog Parade & Costume Contest” portion of the festivities were particularly disappointed after having spent much time and effort in coming up with clever and patriotic costumes for their dogs and themselves.
Minutes after the cancellation was announced, the Rotary Club reached out by e-mail to the soggy dogs and their owners and invited them to put their costumes back on and submit photos of themselves dressed to celebrate our country’s 249th birthday to participate in a “virtual” costume parade and contest.
The panel of Rotarians who judged the photos had a VERY tough job determining who should be honored with the 3 prizes that were announced in advance of the July 4th event, with those winners to each receive a gift bag full of toys and goodies and a $25 gift certificate provided by the locally-owned Dog Perfect stores.
Due to the enthusiasm of the dogs and their owners, the Rotary Club members felt compelled to honor all who submitted photos by awarding “Honorable Mention” prize bags, distributed at the Bayfront Dog Park (4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive) on Friday, July 11th, between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
– by Carol Erker, Rotary Club of Longboat Key
