After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Dog Days Westonka returned to Mound, Minnesota on August 13. Activities were held in two locations: Surfside Park and Beach and the Mound Harbor District..
   The day of fun began with the Blessing of the Animals performed by Pastor Jim Beard from Bethel Methodist Church of Mound. That was followed by a pet costume parade, musical sit and the cutest puppy contest, plus doggie paddle boarding demonstrations, which is a new attraction for the festival.

   Meantime over at the Mound Harbor District, Splash for Cash, which is one of the festival’s most popular events, made its return.

   In addition to all the fun activities, there were also be food trucks and vendors on site. Music was provided by The Abiders, a Twin Cities-based band that plays the blues, country and folk songs. 

   RMA Publicity handled publicity for the event, and we're happy to share that all four Minneapolis affiliates provided coverage.  The day of the event, KARE 11's Saturday Morning show went live from the event three times, and FOX 9 News went live in its morning show too. Later in the day, WCCO TV and KSTP TV photographers covered the event. 

   Preview stories were also done in the days before the event. The F0X 9 Morning News was live from Mound on Wed., Aug. 10. The morning shows on WCCO TV and  KSTC TV previewed the event on Fri., Aug. 12.  A story also aired on LMCC, the community cable news channel in Mound, and the Laker-Pioneer newspaper published three stories: Return of Dog Days A Howling Success, Dog Days Returns to Mound This Summer, Dog Days Slates Return to Surfside Park for August.  In all, 12 media placements were secured. 

Dog Days Westonka is put on by Westonka Community and Commerce (WCC), a local nonprofit organization, and is run by all volunteers. All proceeds go towards covering the costs of the event and keeping it going, as well as pet projects and programs serving the community.

More information can be found on the website: Westonkacc.com/dog-days-westonka.