It’s about that time of year where we are looking ahead to fall.
But for me I hate hearing the “F” word because I love summer and events it brings to the peninsula all too much.
On Saturday, I had the pleasure of covering multiple community events including Swim the Bay, Northport Dog Parade, and the Port Oneida Fair.
All were successful events on a cool day that was threatened by rain.
These are my favorite weekends, when I can simply grab the camera and go to events across the county to experience the best this area has to offer.
It was awesome to see the open swim occur at Greilickville Harbor Park after a few-year hiatus. Swimmers couldn’t wait to get in the water to complete the two-mile swim to protect the bay. The swim was in nearly perfect conditions without wind nor waves.
After a delicious pancake breakfast celebrating the swimmers, I made my way to Northport for one of my favorite events of the year, the 27th annual dog parade.
I personally don’t own a dog at this point in my life, but seeing everybody and their brother having one in this area, I can easily scratch my dog fix. And on Saturday, it was easier than ever.
The amount of joy that this event brings to visitors and locals is unmatched. It’s really hard to find someone without a smile on their face. Stress is easily overcome when you see hundreds of dogs frolicking around in unique costumes with happy and curious looks as the dogs would come stiff my camera. Whenever I go to this event, I try to find the naughty dogs sniping at each other. I’m happy and disappointed to report that I couldn’t capture one instance of a dog acting up. I think that goes to show how well behaved most of these dogs act despite the hectic atmosphere.
Even at the end of the parade, visitors stayed at Northport Harbor to show off each other’s tricks. No matter the talent level, the crowd was full of cheer as kids and adults performed tricks.
Congratulations to Jane and Don Les as their dog Walter was the star of the show. Walter took home grand champion and best costume as a dachshund crocodile “Dachodile.”
Once the dog parade was done, I made the journey down to Port Oneida to step back in time and experience what life was like in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
I love to imagine the Euro-American immigrants figuring out life on the peninsula without modern technology. At the fair, they baled hay, weaved baskets and made soap, butter, candles, and more as hundreds of visitors filled up the Dechow and Olsen fields. The fair is held at six of the historic farmsteads in Port Oneida. Unfortunately, the Star Party was canceled again. We are crossing our fingers for clear weather for the next on Aug. 31.
As we wind down the summer home stretch there is still plenty of sunshine and events to of events to soak up.
