St. Marys Farmers’ Market hosts Dog, Cat and Pet Day of Summer

Dogs of all shapes and sizes turned out for the Pet Costume Parade, though dachshunds were particularly well represented. Interestingly, four or five of the participating pups shared the same name – Kevin.

By Emily Stewart

There was lots of joy from farmers market patrons and their furry friends alike.

The St. Marys Farmers’ Market held the first Dog, Cat, and Pet Day of Summer, sponsored by Pet Valu St. Marys, at Milt Dunnell Field on Aug. 15. The event featured a pet photo booth by Claire Thomas Photography, goodie bags from the local Pet Valu and a pet parade led by dachshund Mister Pickles. A costume contest was held with a dog named Kevin, dressed up like Beetlejuice, winning the grand-prize basket from Pet Valu.

“It was a lot of fun. Just a fun, easy, summer event,” said Andrea Macko, St. Marys Farmers’ Market board member. “There’s always so many pets that come to the market with their owners and this is just a way of celebrating them. It’s a quiet summer weekend so we thought we’d add to the weekend schedule.”

Events like the Dog, Cat, and Pet Day of Summer aim to bring in lots of visitors.

“This is how these vendors are making a living by selling their goods at markets and if our events can help bring some new faces out, that’s wonderful, but also it’s just a fun thing to do,” Macko said. “We’re in this beautiful setting at Milt Dunnell Field. It’s a very relaxed, welcoming market, so this just adds to the spirit of the market.”

Macko is also grateful for Pet Valu St. Marys’ support.

It’s nice to have great businesses in the community that want to further foster community spirit.”

The St. Marys Farmers’ Market will host the Apple Pie Day baking competition, auction and slice sale on Sept. 26 and the Harvest Soup Sale on Oct. 17.