Puptoberfest set for Oct. 25
COLUSA, Calif. — Four-legged friends and their families are invited to Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, Oct. 12, for the seventh annual Puptoberfest, a community celebration of dogs, costumes and support for shelter animals.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon at Veterans Memorial Park, 10th and Market streets in downtown Colusa. Admission is free, and all proceeds benefit Friends of Colusa County Animal Shelter (FOCCAS), a nonprofit that funds veterinary care, shelter improvements and rescue transports for local animals.
Puptoberfest has grown since its debut in 2019. Started by Molly Conrado as a fundraiser and day of fun for dog lovers, the event has become a fall tradition. While early years included community dog walks, recent editions have leaned into creative contests, vendor booths and activities for kids.
This year’s highlights include a face painting station, lawn games, raffles and the popular Paws to Read book giveaway from the Colusa County Library. Children will be able to take home free books to build their personal libraries and read to their pets.
The main event, the dog costume contest, kicks off at about 11:15 a.m. Costumed dogs and their humans can sign up on-site at the information table.
One award will hold special meaning this year: the newly created Harvey Costume Award, named in memory of an American Bulldog who regularly stole the show.
“Harvey and his family, Kent and Haley Boes, brought something clever every year,” said event organizer Pam DaGrossa. “He was a patient dog who wore all kinds of costumes. It just made sense to honor that spirit this year.”
Vendors include JV’s Grooming, whose owner Jorge Velasquez will be on hand with information about his services, and Starberry Studios, offering caricatures of pets and their people. A hot dog lunch will be available for purchase, courtesy of the Lions Club.
FOCCAS invites sponsors at four levels: Great Pyrenees ($300), Retriever ($200), Beagle ($100) and Chihuahua ($50). Current top-tier sponsors include Colleen Wrisinski of Keller Williams Realty and Jorge Velasquez of JV’s Grooming and Pet Resort.
Costume contest entry is free, and no advance registration is required. Vendors are asked to donate a raffle item or contribute $20. The event will be held rain or shine.
“Well-behaved humans and dogs are welcome,” DaGrossa said.
More information, including sponsor and vendor sign-up forms, is available online. Contact Pam DaGrossa at 530-619-0032 or foccasanimals@gmail.com.