Entertainment
21 May, 2025
Paw-ty will get tails wagging
THE most paw-some day of the year is back as the ‘pooch party’ returns to the 31st annual Port Douglas Carnivale’s family beach day on Saturday.
Get ready for a day of fun, games, and community spirit, especially for our four-legged friends, their owners and all animal lovers.
Organiser Cassie Flinn of Ray White Port Douglas said this year, the pooch party kicked off with an exciting new addition: the best dressed dog.
“Beach parade participants will meet at Reynolds Park on the Garrick St side at 9.30am for registrations, before embarking on a fun and colourful procession at 9.45am,” she said.
“The parade will stroll along Garrick St to Sand St, then make its way onto the iconic Four Mile Beach, culminating at the event space at the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Club.
“Think Mardi Gras, but for mutts. We’re encouraging everyone to dress up their dogs in their most creative and dazzling attire to make this parade a real head-turner.
“Once the parade arrives at the surf club, the ‘paw-ty’ truly gets underway at 10am with a full schedule of exciting activities.
“The best dressed dog parade will continue in the judging arena, followed by a series of hilarious and heartwarming competitions from 10am to noon, including:
Best trick
Naughtiest dog – tails of destruction
Dog with the waggiest tail
Owner/dog lookalike
Douglas’ next top dog.
“The coveted title of Douglas top dog will be announced at noon, followed by the drawing of the raffle. The event will conclude at 12.30pm.
“This beloved event, which saw over 60 dogs and their families join the fun last year as part of the larger beach day crowd of 2500, promises even more tail-wagging excitement this year.”
Ms Flinn said a small $5 donation was requested per competition entry, with all proceeds going directly to the purpose-built animal refuge and boarding facilities in the Douglas Shire.
“This event always gets tails – and tongues – wagging, and it just gets more fun each year, all for a terrific cause,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to introduce the best dressed dog beach parade this year to add an extra element of fun and flair.
“Every dollar raised at this family event is vital in supporting the incredible work of the Paws and Claws Animal Shelter.”
Read More: Port Douglas
