By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON – What better way to bridge the seasons than a “dog days” splash before closing out summer with Somewhere in Time? September events in the city have become traditions for both canine companions and turning back the clock in Elizabeth Park.
Trenton Parks and Recreation Director Joann Gonyea said turnout likely will be as strong as ever for events that have become family favorites in the city. In the final days for the year at the Kennedy Aquatic Center, 3101 West Road, the 11th annual Dog Days of Summer will run from noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 12.
Gonyea said about 150 dogs took part in last year’s event, which includes games and contest throughout the afternoon including best swimsuit (for the dog) and fetching and jumping competitions.
A $5 fee for each participating dog includes treats, give-aways and the run of the pool for pets and owners. Gonyea said local veterinarian Dr. Gregory Raspbury of Village Animal Healthcare will be on hand to answer questions, as will a number of local animal organizations and businesses beginning at 11 a.m. Participating dogs must be licensed with proper vaccination papers.
The final day of summer as noted on the calendar will go Somewhere in Time as Elizabeth Park hosts the 31st annual celebration of days gone by. Gonyea said the festival, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 20, has become a true tribute to the city and region’s past.
Elizabeth Park was the first Wayne County Park as christened in the early 1900s, and the community festival carries the vintage theme through boat rides, a Walk Through Automotive Time car show, crafts, an old-time market and historic walking tours.
Activities for the afternoon include Diamond Jack River Boat tours departing every hour from 1 to 4 p.m. A horseshoe blind-doubles tournament begins at noon, and the Plymouth Red Rovers Historic Baseball team will play catch with kids from noon to 2 p.m.
Entertainment for the day includes the Doc Pawlaczyk Old Time Medicine Show in the children’s tent, a tribute to wagon-traveling variety shows, the Guy Louis Chautauqua show, and the Joel Tracy Variety Show. Also performing will be the Downriver Community Band performing big band classics from 3 to 5 p.m.
For information on Dog Days or Somewhere in Time, call Trenton Parks and Recreation at 734-675-7300.
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected].)