4.14.23 Paws in the Park Dog Walk and Fest – Join the Fun on April 30

Signature Event Raises Funds to Help Homeless Animals

GAITHERSBURG, Md. (April 11, 2023) –The City of Gaithersburg and Montgomery County Humane Society present Paws in the Park Dog Walk & Fest on Sunday, April 30, 2023, from Noon to 4 p.m. at Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm in Gaithersburg, MD. The park is located at 506 South Frederick Avenue, next to Gaithersburg High School.

Now in its 22nd year, Paws in the Park is a favorite of area pet lovers, and is a signature special event of the Montgomery County Humane Society in partnership with the City of Gaithersburg. One of the largest dog walks in the Washington, D.C. area, the event raises funds to help homeless and abandoned animals throughout Montgomery County.

The Festival features a 1-mile dog walk at 2 p.m. (trail sponsored by Veterinary Referral Associates & Judy Martin Real Estate), children's activities (sponsored by Chelsea's Chimney), music, food, and vendors. Contests will be held for pets and their owners including best dressed, dog-owner lookalike, best trick, and more, with prizes awarded for first place finishers.

Jenni Chase of 97.1 Wash-FM will emcee the fundraising event. Paid attendees will receive a goody bag, while supplies last.

The Canine Agility Course and Competition - a crowd favorite - returns this year, sponsored by ProMark Partners. This popular, off-leash area allows dogs to experience and compete in agility and other activities in the safety of an enclosed section. Prizes will be awarded in many categories.

Dozens of exhibitors will be on hand, many of whom will feature pet-related products or services, and there will be plenty of food for humans from a number of vendors. Media Sponsor 97.1 Wash-FM will be on hand with lots of entertainment and surprises.

Pre-registration is available here. Admission is $18 for individuals; children 12 and under are free. Admission at the gate is $20 for individuals. Registered walkers can sign up to fundraise individually or to form a fundraising team. Much of the event's fundraising happens when registrants reach out to friends, family and coworkers, and encourage them to donate funds to help homeless animals through the Paws in the Park webpages they create.

"We're so glad to bring this popular event back to the community," says Cris Bombaugh, president and CEO of the Montgomery County Humane Society. "Paws in the Park is a fun day out for the dogs, their owners and all pet lovers in our area. You don't have to bring a dog to have a good time! It is a wonderful way to support our mission to end animal homelessness."

Event sponsors include ProMark Partners, Veterinary Referral Associates, DogiZone, Chelsea's Chimney, Judy Martin Real Estate, MEAC, Thrive Pet Care, Fitzgerald Auto Mall, and more.

For more information, visit www.mchumane.org.