Bayview Thriftway hosts its third annual Dog Days of Summer event this Saturday, August 18th, following Olympia’s long-running, popular Pet Parade.
After the dolled-up doggies wrap up their procession at Sylvester Park, point them toward Bayview Thriftway’s “barking” lot, across the street from the parade’s Heritage Park starting point.
With fun kid activities, dog- and pet-related vendors, and free gifts and prizes, Bayview Thriftway’s Dog Days of Summer is a perfect follow-up to the Olympia Pet Parade.
“It’s just a fun event for families, and everything’s free,” says Carol Lundblad, store director at Bayview Thriftway, locally owned by the Stormans family.
Lundblad came up with the idea of the Dog Days of Summer event.
“We had a brainstorming meeting three or so years ago, wanting to do some promotions within the store,” she says. “We wanted to have some community-oriented events that don’t necessarily generate sales, but bring people in the store and offer fun, family stuff.”
The first year was a hit, so the store continues to organize the event.
“It’s been a success,” says Lundblad. “It’s not crazy crowded though, so it’s really nice.”
The event also draws a lot of folks who aren’t involved with the pet parade but bring their kids down for the free festivities.
Nearly a dozen vendors and a giant Dalmatian-shaped bounce house will be set up and ready to go this Saturday at 10:00 a.m. The event runs until 2:00 p.m.
The Stream Team will bring its Drain Dare, an interactive experience that teaches kids the importance of our area streams and how they work.
TwinStar Credit Union’s Dollar Dog will also make an appearance, talking to kids about savings.
Lawn Doodles has been at every Dog Days of Summer event, advertising their poop-scooping and litter box-cleaning services.
Some vendors bring wares to sell, and the Bayview deli will set up shop with some kid-friendly eats.
“Our deli serves hot dogs and ‘cat whiskers’ – curly French fries,” Lundblad says with a laugh.
Bayview School of Cooking provides a free tasty treat of dog-shaped cookies for the kids to enjoy. Some are pre-decorated, but little ones can also fancy them up on their own with supplied frosting.
Pets enjoy a watering station, perfect for cooling off after parading, and free dog treat samples from vendors.
One of the most popular events is a cakewalk.
“I get a bullhorn and we give away a bunch of free gifts,” says Lundblad. “It’s so fun.
Cakewalkers can land cupcakes decorated like dogs and items from different departments in the store.
The bottom line for Lundblad is that Bayview Thriftway’s Dog Days of Summer is simply a fun celebration for Olympia pet-owners.
“It’s just amazing to see the kids come over with their dogs. I love that they share. One year a great big ol’ Great Dane had a tutu on and its toenails painted hot pink,” Lundblad says with a laugh.
Wander over to Bayview Thriftway’s Dog Days of Summer to see this year’s zany Pet Parade costumes while taking in the free, fun family activities.
Bayview Thriftway
516 – 4th Ave West
Olympia, WA 98502
Saturday, August 18th after the Pet Parade in downtown Olympia
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
