It was a full house of furry friends and happy humans Thursday evening at Hastings Rivertown Dog Park, where the annual Paws in the Park event brought together dogs, their people, and more than 20 local pet businesses for a lively night of tail wags and treats.
Running from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., the free event welcomed a steady stream of visitors under sunny skies and mild 70-degree weather. More than 20 activity stations were spread throughout the park, with each sponsor hosting a booth packed with giveaways, games, and dog-friendly fun.
The crowd favorite of the evening was the “Strut Your Mutt” Costume Contest, held at 6:00 p.m., where dogs took center stage in creative costumes ranging from sweet to silly. Topping the contest was a colorful pup named Candy Corn, who took home the grand prize basket. Honorable mentions went to Sadie’s Sweet Treats, Diesel the three-legged dog, and Winston the Hot Dog, each earning big cheers from the crowd.
“It was a paw-some evening of fun for dogs and their humans,” the City of Hastings shared on their social media post promoting the event and summing up the playful energy of the evening.
Hungry guests hit up the 437 Food Truck, which served a dog-park-themed dinner menu featuring hot dogs, chili dogs, brats, chips, and queso. Picnic tables just outside the park offered a perfect spot to sit, snack, and people-watch.
Meanwhile, at the Balloon Arch Photo Op Station, owners lined up to snap pics of their pups under a colorful balloon display, a highlight for many who came dressed to impress.
This year’s lineup of sponsors included Chuck and Don’s, Town and Country, Olive Dogs Grooming, Royal Pet, Fleet Farm, Anytime Puppy Playground, River Valley Pet Cremation, Rio Gran, Animal Ark, Animal Emergency Care, Get Real Dog Training, Fluegel’s, Farmers Insurance – Thorsen Agency, Emotional Rescue, Invisible Fence, 4 Paws Mobile Fitness, Rio Grooming, PetSuites, Pet-a-cures by Sarena, Hastings Police, Hastings Parks and Recreation, and the Hastings Vet Clinic. Each hosted a booth and activity station, offering everything from pet wellness tips and training advice to treats, toys, and rescue resources.
The event wrapped as the sun dipped low, with dogs happily tuckered out and their owners heading home with goodie bags, photos, and plenty of paw-sitive memories.