Downtown Lake Orion is going to the dogs later this week, as downtown hosts Dog Days of August on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
According to Mark Kelly, in charge of development and special events for the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), the three days will feature sidewalk sales throughout downtown businesses (check out this week’s special section in The Advertiser for participating businesses).
Kelly also said that the DDA is coordinating village-wide garage sales, and has posted garage sale locations, as well as hours and types of items for sale, on the downtown website, www.downtownlakeorion.org.
On Saturday, Dog Day activities will be hosted on the grassy area, across from Children’s Park between the Orion Art Center and the fire station.
At 11 a.m., there will be a non-denominational blessing of the dogs by the Minister of United Methodist Church.
Immediately following the blessing, the dog parade will occur throughout downtown led by Doggie Mayor Misty Gladstone in her last act as ‘doggie mayor.?
Talents will be on display at the talent competition held at noon. According to Kelly, categories in the competition include smallest dog, biggest dog, cutest dog, ugliest dog, best costume, looks most like their owner, best singer and best trick.
Following the contest, there will be the drawing for Lake Orion’s newest ‘doggie mayor.? Any person interested in submitted their dog for the mayoral race, may register their dog, at the DDA booth, up until the drawing.
This year, the ‘doggie mayor? will be chosen by random selection. The process will differ from those of Dog Days past where a voting process occurred.
Once a dog is chosen by random selection, a mayoral inauguration will be held to induct the new ‘doggie mayor? and inform them on their new mayoral responsibilities, which include attending downtown special events throughout the year.
While all ‘doggone? fun events are going, local organizations will also be hosting booths from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Special doggie treats and gifts will be for sale, as well as ‘human? food, dog-inspired crafts by the Orion Art Center and even doggie interviews by Orion Neighborhood Television (ONTV).
‘We welcome everyone to come down,? Kelly said of the ‘doggone? fun event. ‘Everyone is invited to participate in the parade.?
For more information about Dog Days, contact the DDA at (248)693-9742.