Duluth 'Going to the Dogs' and Cats Sunday

The will be filled with pets, their owners and vendors who cater to them at the third annual Chattapoochie Pet Fest from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2. Well-behaved dogs and cats and their masters are welcome at the pet- and family-friendly event.

Sponsored by the Duluth Historical Society, proceeds will benefit the , home of the original Gwinnett Humane Society and its founder Alice Ziegler, granddaughter of Alice Strickland, mayor of Duluth in 1923 and the first female mayor in Georgia. The Duluth History Museum is located in the historic house.

More than 30 vendors are expected to participate, according to Duluth Historical Society President Judy Wilson. “The event will bring together animal lovers with services, products, foods, beds, clothing, collars, photos, and just fun stuff,” she said. Rescue groups and breeders will also be represented.

“Digger Dog” from 811 is scheduled to make an appearance from noon to 2 p.m. Wilson confirmed that  “Clifford, the Big Red Dog,” the Duluth High School “Wildcat” mascot, and the city's "Dougie, the Dalmatian" will be at the festival, too. The Wildcat mascot will be appearing after 11 a.m. Clifford, sponsored by American Family Insurance and Schoolastic, is scheduled for 2-5 p.m.

Owners are encouraged to dress their pets in costume and to bring cameras. “We will choose the cutest and the scariest in under 25-pound and over-25 pound groups,” Wilson said.    

Bill Schramm and his "Pickers" will play on the Stage from 2 to 4 pm.  There will also be a Kids Corner featuring face-painting, caricatures and art activities.

The Duluth Parks and Recreation Department will hand out information on the at Rogers Bridge Park. Ground was broken for the park Thursday (Sept. 29), and construction will get underway next week. The city’s first dog park, it is expected to be finished by the first of the new year. Originally named the Chattapoochie Dog Park, it is now officially known as the Chattapoochee Dog Park reflecting its location near the Chattahoochee River.