GREENFIELD — Local canines will have their chance to shine on Sunday at the Recreation Department’s inaugural Mutts and Mayhem obstacle course challenge at the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area.
“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Recreation Director Christy Moore. “There will be lots of laughter. … We’ve never done this before and we’re hoping to bring people down to the park who just want to observe or volunteer.”
According to Moore, all proceeds from the event, set to begin at 11 a.m., will benefit ongoing maintenance needs at Paws Park, located at 22 Petty Plain Road.
Dogs will compete in one of two categories: under 40 pounds and over 40 pounds. About 20 dog owners had signed up as of Monday, with more expected to register on the day of the event.
Moore said there will be about 20 obstacles, ranging from jumping hurdles to crawling through tunnels to maneuvering a tire field. Each obstacle comes with penalties — some for the dog, others for its handler.
“It will be a timed event,” she said. “We’ll give the top three prizes in both the small and large dog category.”
Prizes include “muddiest mutt,” “pawesome job” and “it was ruff, but I made it.”
According to the rules, all dogs must be at least 1-year-old as of race day and their handlers must be at least 13 years old.
Moore said she’s excited to be hosting an event at “such a beautiful place on its own.”
“We know the humans and the canines love it down there,” she said of the Green River Swimming and Recreation Area. “We wanted to get this event before (the swimming area) is turned over to the humans.”
Local dog-related groups and vendors will be at the event, she added, including the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Regional Dog Shelter, Hiking Paws and Happy Tails, among others.
“I think in today’s world we all need to have a little bit more laughter,” Moore said. “And I think this will bring that to those who are participating and observing.”
A full list of the obstacles can be found at bit.ly/3wibjd9. Online pre-registration is available through Friday at bit.ly/3PqkXSv. The cost to enter increases from $35 to $45 on the day of the event.
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne