Dogs filled Reynolds Park on Sunday morning for the inaugural Pup Party at the Marblehead Festival of Arts, with many sporting colorful costumes. The event turned the park into a busy mix of splash zones, ball pits and arts and crafts stations, drawing dozens of local families and their four-legged companions.
Pups of all sizes played in shallow pool areas to cool off from summer heat. Nearby, owners helped their dogs make paw print art and pose for photos at designated stations. A ball pit set up in the center of the park stayed busy as dogs jumped in and dug through bright plastic balls.
Local vendors including Wags ’n Whiskers, Worldly Pets, Pawsitively Marblehead, Marblehead Mutts and Petco handed out treats and toys. Tables offered free pup cups and giveaways from local pet shops. A local dog trainer provided quick tips on behavior and basic commands. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile even made an appearance.
The three-hour celebration ran from 9 a.m. to noon with attendance limited to 150 dogs at $20 each. Human companions attended free. Activities included bobbing for treats, custom dog tag engraving and leash decoration stations.
The costume contest featured categories for best costume — which went to a chocolate Labrador named Frank dressed as a s’more — and best creative pair, which went to Bella, dressed as Wonder Woman, and her owner Lucille Grant Mortan.
“They’re definitely the pleasure of our lives. They’re the loves of our lives,” said Yunita Farrar, who brought her dogs Winston, 9, and Teddy, 4.
Matt Lloyd, who sat with his 16-year-old dog Layla on the grass, described his pet in three words: “calm, kind and loving.”
Ben Chew, 10, and Rowan Chew, 7, have two dogs — a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Charlie and a mutt named Chewy. They had to leave them home but shared that the pair bring silliness and love to their lives.
“When we put Chewy’s tail next to his face,” said Rowan, “he’ll chase it.”
Ben chimed in, “But he never gets it in his mouth.”
Former Festival president Matt Friedman and his daughter Malina organized the event.
