Chandler Hovey Park once again became a sea of golden fur and wagging tails as more than two dozen dogs and their families gathered for the annual golden retriever family portrait on Thursday, Aug. 27.
The canines and their humans met under the lighthouse before lining up and settling into the grass by the water for the photo.
The tradition, which began 15 years ago with just seven English golden retrievers, has grown into a beloved summer gathering for dog owners around town.
Stephanie Brocoum said the tradition began after she and several friends found themselves connected through their dogs. She got an English golden retriever named Beaulieu about 20 years ago, and the dog became so popular that other Marbleheaders eventually bought dogs from the same breeder.
“He was a really, really, good dog,” she said. “And eventually there were five or six of us in town that got English golden retrievers from that breeder, and we decided it would be fun if we all got together.”
That small group of seven English golden retrievers and their humans met for the first time under the lighthouse for a family portrait, and the rest was history.
Since then, the annual gathering has grown to include golden retrievers of all shades and has become a treasured event for Marblehead’s canine community, with familiar — and furry faces — returning year after year. The portrait now even draws a small crowd of spectators who watch the photo shoot from nearby benches.
Six-year-old English golden retriever Aspen attended the gathering for her third year Thursday. Her owner, Kelly Walgreen, said the event is one her family would never miss.
“It’s amazing, we can’t miss it,” Walgreen said. “My favorite part is just seeing all of the dogs together. They get along so well, and there’s no fighting. This is so special.”
Chris Hunter, who attended the photo shoot with his family and golden retriever, said the event offers a welcome distraction from daily life.
“I think it’s really nice,” Hunter said, “because it gets everyone together, you’re off your screens, you’re out of the house and just hanging out.”
Brocoum attended the family photo with her husband, Stefan, and their two English golden retrievers, Monty and Booker. She owns Marblehead interior design business Moontide Studio and is already looking forward to the next golden retriever family photo next August.
“I love how, and I’m always surprised by, how enthusiastic everyone is about their dogs and the photo, how eager they are to have their dogs photographed, and just how they keep showing up year after year. It is so sweet. ” she said.
