Get ready for a tail-wagging good time as we celebrate the Dog Days of Summer at August First Friday, generously sponsored by Freedom Fire Protection. On Aug. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m., Downtown Mount Vernon will transform into a pet-friendly paradise, featuring the much anticipated WNZR Dog Days of Summer Dog Costume Parade.
The Dog Costume Parade, presented by WNZR and led by the CES Credit Union mascot, Cooper, will begin at 7:15 p.m. on Public Square and head down South Main Street to the Community Corner, sponsored by New Directions, on East Gambier Street. Pet owners are encouraged to dress up their furry friends in creative and fun costumes. Prizes will be awarded for Most Creative Costume, Dog the Judges Most Want to Take Home, and Best In Show. Registration for the parade is FREE and open now at wnzr.fm or on-site at August First Friday on Public Square from 6:30 to 7:10 p.m.
In addition to the Dog Costume Parade, August First Friday will feature a variety of activities for attendees of all ages, including live music, Classic Car Cruise-in, photo booth, food and refreshments, Activity Zone, Community Corner and Touch-a-Truck.
“We are thrilled to host the Dog Days of Summer August First Friday again this year and bring the community to Downtown Mount Vernon for a fun-filled evening celebrating summer and our beloved four-legged friends,” said Lacey Filkins, executive director of Experience Mount Vernon. “We are grateful to Freedom Fire Protection for their generous sponsorship – and for volunteering – and to the WNZR team for organizing the much anticipated Dog Costume Parade.”
Starting at 3:30 p.m., parking will close on Main Street from Chestnut Street to Ohio Avenue, including one block east and west, and around Public Square. All parked vehicles should be removed from said streets by 3:30 p.m. Streets will close to thru traffic at 4 p.m. to allow for exhibitors and vendors to set up. Parking can be found in Public Lots on South Gay and South Mulberry Streets and any parking spaces on open streets. Knox Public Health will provide a free bicycle valet in the Blue Ash Parking Lot on East Ohio Avenue.
Experience Mount Vernon is a 501c3 non-profit organization that aims to energize and strengthen an authentic and uniquely downtown experience through community-wide events, beautification projects, and small business support. Visit experiencemv.org for more information.
