Wooftober 5K, Pet Costume Contest Today

The Paducah Parks & Recreation Department is holding the seventh annual Wooftober on Saturday, October 19. 

The event which includes a 5K Run/Walk and a dog costume contest will be held adjacent to the Paducah Dog Park located at Stuart Nelson Park off Park Avenue.  Festivities will be from 10:30 am until 3 pm, and the Dog Park will be open before and after the event to let dogs play.  

Registration for the 3rd Annual Rover Run/Walk, a fun 5K that uses the Greenway Trail, begins at 10:30 am with the event at 11 am. There is a $15 entry fee which provides participants with a t-shirt. Proceeds benefit local animal charities.  

There will be animal rescues, educational, and service groups in attendance to provide a variety of pet-related information and services. Puppies and dogs will be available for adoption. Services available include micro-chipping, nail trimming, vaccinations, pet boarding, grooming, and healthcare information.  

From 11 am until 1:30 pm, participants can register for the Doggie Costume Contest. There is no charge to enter and the contest begins at 2 pm.

The dogs will be divided into two categories - those above or below 30 pounds. The awards are the Clowning-Around Award for the funniest costume, the Scaredy-Cat Award for the scariest costume, the Paws-itively Pup-tastic Award for the most gorgeous costume, the Top Dog Award for the best owner and dog costume combo, the Best Dog “Team” Effort Award for owners who have more than two dogs all in costume, and the Hotdogger Award for the best overall costume. 

Wooftober is a family-friendly event for all ages; however, some dogs don’t respond well to new places, children, or other animals. Please use your best judgment in determining if your pet will enjoy the event. If you are participating in Wooftober or using the dog park, please make sure to follow the Paducah Dog Park rules including the requirements to keep dogs on leashes until they are inside the dog park enclosure and to clean up after pets using the available doggie bags. Children under age 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Also, please do not bring “human” food into the Paducah Dog Park or to Wooftober. 

Parks & Recreation Department staff have the right to start early or later depending on weather conditions or other factors. 

For more information about Wooftober, contact Special Events Coordinator Molly Johnson at 270-444-8508.  Visit the Parks & Recreation Department online at www.paducahky.gov.