Calling all dog lovers and owners! The 10th annual Shelburne Museum Goes to the Dogs event is here, and this year's theme is crazy canine circus fun. The event will be held on Sunday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome (on leashes!). More than 2,600 people and 870 dogs attended last year. "The goal for this year is to have 3,000 people participate," said Valerie Nikel Marketing Manager of Pet Food Warehouse.
As always, the main event of the day is the costume contest. The contest will take place as a parade around the Shelburne Museum grounds. If you and your four-legged costumed dog are interested in walking in the parade, line up behind the Webb building on the museum property at noon. Dog and owner will be judged on these four categories: circus sideshow, most like a circus animal, best clown, and best pet/owner combination. Winners will be announced at the Main Stage Show, featuring Waldo & Woodhead and Comedy Clown Tom Murphy, at the base of the Ticonderoga.

At least five 501C3 agencies in attendance will win a portion of ticket sales from the event. The grand prize is $1,000. The overall costume winner will hand out the non-profit prizes. After the non-profit prizes are awarded, stick around for music from the Milton Community Band and dog activities galore!

Other features taking place throughout the day include free face painting by Sara Glasgow, balloon animals by Dux the balloon man, free portrait sessions by Mountain Dog Photography, free canine massage "mini demos" by A New Leash on Life, and much more.

Demonstrations will also take place throughout the day including: therapy dog pre-test demonstration by Therapy Dogs of Vermont, law enforcement dog demonstration by the Vermont police K9 association, and a sled dog demonstration just to name a few.

Vendors will be set up all around the museum grounds from locations all around the state, offering all things dog.

Shelburne Museum Goes to the Dogs began 10 years ago as a birthday celebration for dogs (and their people) in honor of Shelburne Museum founder Electra Havemeyer Webb, who was a dog enthusiast. All museum exhibits will be open and available for people to view throughout the day although dogs must wait outside.

Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Dogs and museum members are free. Tickets may be purchased at Pet Food Warehouse locations on Williston Road and Shelburne Road.

Shelburne Museum Goes to the Dogs is co-produced by Pet Food Warehouse and Shelburne Museum. Sponsors are: Natura Pet Products, ProNature, WellPet, The Automaster, North Country Federal Credit Union, Shelburne News, Small Dog Electronics, and WCAX.