Hundreds of pooches are expected to descend on Williamstown’s Commonwealth Reserve for the third annual Dog Day In Dog Town.
Organised by the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce, the gathering features canine competitions, agility courses and pet parades with prizes for best trick and best dressed.
There will be more than 20 marquees and entertainment in the rotunda from country music duo The Long And Short Of It.
Williamstown’s Dog Town moniker reportedly stems from the 19th century when Melbourne was hit by a plague of stray dogs. They were rounded up, put on the last train and sent to the end of the line at Williamstown.
One version has it that the name came from the strays’ ability to catch rats on Williamstown’s then-infested docks. Another has it that the name stuck because dogs could be heard barking all night as they chased vermin. But today, Williamstown is known as Dog Town because so many residents own one, says Dog Day committee member Jo McGrane.
“There are so many off-lead areas, so many parks, beaches – even on-lead areas. It’s just such a great place to walk your dog,” she said.
“We’ve got such a beautiful area to walk in.”
Ms McGrane will attend the event with her 11-year-old golden retriever, Atticus, named after the fictional lawyer who represented morality and reason inTo Kill A Mockingbird.
The event will be held on Sunday, October 12, from 10am-4pm.
Proceeds from the day will be donated to the Lost Dogs Home and Puppy Tales Rescue.
An event program will be published at www.visitwilliamstown.com.au
