Doggie Dash

HERMISTON — Hermiston is going to the dogs on June 4.

The Doggie Dash 3K Fun Run and Play Day is a new event for the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce that invites canine participants to join human ones to kick off summer.

Proceeds from the Doggie Dash will be split between making improvements at Hermiston’s dog park — the Hermiston Bark Park — and supporting Fuzz Ball Animal Rescue. Ami Little, public relations director of the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce, said the inspiration for the Doggie Dash was supporting the nonprofits.

“This was a way to earmark some dollars for the Bark Park and help improve it, and then Fuzz Ball Rescue, the work they do is absolutely incredible. We’re so fortunate to have folks like that in town that just care so much about animals,” she said.

Registration for the Saturday event is $35. Preregistration is available online through May 27 at bit.ly/3wpLo3h or by contacting the Hermiston Chamber directly, and the first 50 participants to register — online or with the chamber — will receive a swag bowl of goodies.

“Instead of a swag bag, it’s a swag bowl. It’s in a dog bowl, and it’s going to be full of all sorts of goodies for your four-legged friends,” Little said.

Bowls can be picked up at the Hermiston Chamber booth from 8-9 a.m. on race day, June 4, and the dash begins at 9 a.m.

Registration will be also available at the event — and participants do not have to bring a pet.

“You don’t have to have a dog,” Little said. “If you just want to come out and have a good time and support this good cause, come down and give every puppy love.”

To participate, dogs must be on leash while outside of the designated fenced areas, and dog owners must be with their pets at all times. Dog owners must clean up after their dogs; disposable doggie bags will be available.

The Doggie Dash takes place at Butte Park, 1425 NW Seventh St., near the new dog park. The 3K route will be marked, and vendors will be set up in the area. The event will also include games and a raffle.

In addition to the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce and Hermiston Parks and Recreation, the event is sponsored by Lamb Weston, Rogers Toyota, OMG! Burgers and Brew and Oregon Trail Vet Clinic.

On June 4, OMG! Burgers and Brew will also donate 10% of sales at the Hermiston location to Bark Park improvements and Fuzz Ball Animal Rescue.

Chamber officials said they hope to make the Doggie Dash an annual event. For more information, contact the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce at 541-567-6151 or hermistonchamber.com.