COLUSA, CA (MPG) — Despite chilly weather and a looming threat of rain, a dozen dogs and their owners gathered at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, Oct. 26, for Colusa’s seventh annual Puptoberfest.
Hosted by the Friends of Colusa County Animal Shelter (FOCCAS), the event featured a dog costume contest, raffle prizes, games, food and activities for families.
“This event was our dog Harvey’s favorite thing to do,” said Kent Boes, whose American Bulldog, Harvey, was honored this year with a new award. “We wanted to do something special in his memory.”
Lucy, dressed as a pack mule, received the inaugural Harvey Boes Award, which recognized originality, collaboration with the owner and handmade creativity.
“We all chose a costume that was original, very collaborative with the owner, homemade and fun — downright a good time,” Boes said.
The top three overall winners were Bronco, dressed in a Toy Story-themed costume; Joe, covered in spiderwebs and pushed in a stroller; and Chewy, a three-legged dog who wore an IHOP server uniform with a name tag.
Jenna Lambgino, the event’s emcee, kept the crowd laughing with commentary throughout the contest.
“You can tell he’s been working out in his cell,” Lambgino said, introducing Bently the bulldog, who was dressed as a prison escapee. “That’s one beefy boy.”
Other crowd favorites included a cowboy and border collie dragon duo, a frog named Alvin, and a ketchup-themed dog-and-owner pair.
Raffle items, crafts and dog caricatures rounded out the festivities. Kids received free books from the Colusa County Library’s Paws to Read program. The Lions Club served hot dogs to attendees.
Proceeds from Puptoberfest support FOCCAS, which funds veterinary care, transport to rescue groups and shelter upgrades for animals in Colusa County.
“All of the dogs were winners here today,” Lambgino said. “You all brought out some great costumes.”