A dog day of summer
Diane Robinson's mini Australian Shepherd Gypsy leads the way as the Wiscasset duo takes part in the dog parade at Summerfest July 27. Gypsy took thirds in tricks and “most unusual-looking,” a pair of seconds in the hot dog race and the treat catch, and a win in “looks most like owner.” SUSAN JOHNS/Wiscasset Newspaper
Joanne Johnson, left, of Dover, N.H., Linda Shane of Cumberland and Linda Wright, a summer Boothbay resident, look over some of the wares up for sale at Summerfest on the Wiscasset town common. SUSAN JOHNS/Wiscasset Newspaper
Linda Winterburg's pug Phoebe begins chowing down on a hot dog after winning one of the day's dog challenges. SUSAN JOHNS/Wiscasset Newspaper
Diane Robinson's mini Australian Shepherd Gypsy leads the way as the Wiscasset duo takes part in the dog parade at Summerfest July 27. Gypsy took thirds in tricks and “most unusual-looking,” a pair of seconds in the hot dog race and the treat catch, and a win in “looks most like owner.” SUSAN JOHNS/Wiscasset Newspaper
Joanne Johnson, left, of Dover, N.H., Linda Shane of Cumberland and Linda Wright, a summer Boothbay resident, look over some of the wares up for sale at Summerfest on the Wiscasset town common. SUSAN JOHNS/Wiscasset Newspaper
Linda Winterburg's pug Phoebe begins chowing down on a hot dog after winning one of the day's dog challenges. SUSAN JOHNS/Wiscasset Newspaper
Linda Winterburg wasn't planning on entering her pug Phoebe in any of the dog contests at Summerfest on the Wiscasset town common July 27.
She wasn't planning on dressing Phoebe up for their walk in the dog parade, either.
But Winterburg felt inspired after she and the dog were mentioned in a Wiscasset Newspaper story about Summerfest: Phoebe turned out for the parade in a patriotic outfit, and went on to not only compete in the contests, but snag a win in one of the hairiest of competitions: the hot dog race.
The canines carried the hot dogs in their mouths, with the object of crossing the finish with as much of the hot dog in tact as possible.
Phoebe managed to carry hers the whole way without taking a bite. She tied for first with Pippa, one of Damariscotta residents Janet and Rick Fooshee's Westies.
Phoebe took her time eating the hot dog in the grass after the race.
But she was still on a roll. Winterburg's dog went on to take first for cutest and third in tail-wagging.
Erin Bailey's lab-mix Bear may have been having the best time, however. The contestant from Westport Island finished as top dog in the “happiest” category and second in tail-wagging.
Summerfest got a sunny, mild day for its thirtieth installment. The First Congregational Church puts it on annually to raise money for community organizations.
Rain on the day before the event forced a change from the traditional Friday setup. Church members and a crew from Two Bridges Regional Jail assembled everything Saturday morning, in the two hours before the event opened, Summerfest Committee Chairman Nancy Roby said.
“It was just remarkable how everybody pulled together,” Roby said.
Susan Johns can be reached at 207-844-4633 or susanjohns@wiscassetnewspaper.com
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