Woofstock has successful first year

(Sentinel photo by Luke Widbin) From left, Ashley Swenson, Brianna Anderson and Sherry Shrader pose with their dogs Ozzie Smith, Louie and Buddy Boy Shrader at Woofstock on Saturday, June 27. All of the proceeds from Woofstock went to the Plymouth County Historical Museum. [Click to enlarge]

In its first year in Le Mars, no one knew how successful Woofstock was going to be.

With admission set at $1, the Woofstock committee was hoping all families could attend and just enjoy a day of fun for a good cause.

(Sentinel photo by Luke Widbin) Children and adults alike march their dogs around the block at the Plymouth County Historical Museum during the "Doggie Parade" as apart of Woofstock. [Click to enlarge]

The citizens of Plymouth County did not disappoint.

With more than 50 dogs present, everyone involved seemed surprised at the amount of people that came out to support the museum.

"This is good -- really good," said Bowman, Plymouth County Historical Museum administrator. "We're really pleased everyone's here. It's a great beginning."

"I think it's great," added Reynolds. "I'm shocked at how many dogs we have. We're delighted."

The first 50 dogs that arrived for the "Doggie Parade" were given a free treat bag full of milk bones, a task that kept people working registration very busy.

"We were overwhelmed with people registering," said Delores Maser, a friend of the museum. "But we're just delighted. It's such a joy to see all these people and kids and their four-footed furry friends."

The parade made its way around the museum while a few spectators in lawn chairs observed all of the dogs, many dressed up in outfits and costumes. Pink sweaters, butterfly costumes, small coats and Woofstock neck scarves are just a sample of the kinds of fashion on display during the parade.

After the walk, dogs and their owners were invited to peruse several vendor booths.

Vendors included a photographer, homemade dog clothes, a dog grooming booth, a booth that sold small wooden crosses with dog-themed decorations, a free treat and water bar for the dogs, and a couple pet adoption booths.

"We're just throwing out some products for dogs and free leashes," said Dr. Paul Prieksat of the Le Mars Veterinary Clinic. "We also have dogs people can adopt, and we're inserting HomeAgain microchips."

The HomeAgain microchips are inserted into the dog through injection and then scanned with a specific serial number. With this number, the owner can go online and track the whereabouts of their dog through Global Positioning System (GPS) technology if it ever gets lost.

The big cash draw for the museum from Woofstock was the silent auction, where over 50 baskets full of dog items were put up for bid.

"A lot of people donated items to the silent auction," said Bowman. "It looks to be going very well. I'm really pleased."

Another popular event was the children's games and crafts were put on by volunteers and the Le Mars Arts Center.

Stephanie Oswald along with other Plymouth County 4-Hers constructed an agility course, where owners directed their dog jump through a tire, zigzag through poles, jump beams and barrels, and run up and down a little bridge.

A short blessing was read for the dogs in attendance by Glada Koerselman. Also, a moment of silence was observed for those dogs that had passed on. The silence was broken by several dogs barking, which Koerselman noted was fitting.

Next on the list of events was idea that started Woofstock -- the Fido Fashion Show. A large banner made by Mary Valentine was hung over the stage for the event.

Emceeing the fashion show was Delores Maser, joined by her dog Charlie, and KTIV news anchor Matt Breen, who said he owned about a dozen dogs growing up.

"It's amazing," Breen said of Woofstock. "It's far more than I expected, and so well organized."

Breen also shared that he didn't know too much about "doggie fashion," so he hoped he would do well as an emcee.

Following the fashion show, a dog wedding was performed, complete with a wedding cake and other refreshments. After the wedding, participants were dismissed to view either "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" or "Hotel for Dogs."

Woofstock promised to be a day of peace and harmony, and it really was.

"We're just tickled to see all of the dogs getting along," Reynolds said. "Our largest dog weighs over 200 pounds and we've got dogs that fit into bags, it's just been perfect."

Not only did dogs and families alike enjoy a great day together, the Plymouth County Historical Museum really benefited from the participants generosity.

"As a non-profit organization in this economy, we need all the cash we can get a hold of," Bowman said. "Woofstock is a good activity we hope to have for the museum for a long time."