Word on the

Street

Boy, do I like it when the sun comes out! There’s so much to do and plan for in the coming months and when the sun comes out, it seems sunny dispositions do as well. And when you combine good dispositions with our volunteers, that’s a sure fire recipe for fun events in downtown Sumner.

We’re only about ten weeks away from our Mutts off Main event that is so popular downtown and the committee is chomping at the bit to get the details and work schedules ironed out. This event involves several of our local businesses, including It’s A Dog’s World, Whistle Stop Antique Mall and Ascension Productions. All total, it takes at least 50 volunteers to pull this event off. There’s the set-up which includes an agility course, vendor stalls, water supplies for misters and doggie wading pools, a stage for a plethora of canine entertainment, contests and fashion statements. Several non-profit organizations will be present including our local animal control department with information and services regarding licensing and chipping.

The first year Sumner Downtown Association hosted this event I was shocked at how many people in town were so crazy about their dogs. Now these are folks I have known and done business with for over 30 years but had never seen them with their pets. My favorite question to ask them is “who’s walking whom today?” I know they’re supposed to be taking their pets for a walk, but to be honest, a lot of times it looks like the dog is taking its owner for a walk. Ha! It seems like there is something about walking your dog downtown that makes people smile and more inclined to interact with other canine lovers. You’re sure to see plenty smiling and interacting locals at the Mutts off Main event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 11. The committee says the ever famous hot dog eating contest will be back and I’ve got to tell you, that’s my favorite event of the day. This will be our third annual contest and there are contestants from our first year who are still talking about it. And not necessarily in a good way. It seems filling up on those hot dogs stays with you for a very long time.

Now if you’re not that into dogs but hot rods are more your thing … never fear. We’ve got a downtown event for you, too. The Classy Chassis Car Show is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 23. I think we’re going to have folks dressed in poodle skirts and leather jackets volunteering at the registration booth this year and performing during the day in the Gazebo.

These are only two of the committees up and running right now but I just wanted to let you know there’s a lot of planning already in the works and a bunch of wonderful volunteers already meeting to ensure there is fun aplenty downtown this summer. So here’s an early thank you to our volunteers for being another reason folks like to Spend Some Time in Sumner.