Gone to the Dogs: Canines will have their day at Mutts on Main

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Pups of all shapes and sizes are welcome at Greenfield Main Street’s Mutts on Main event, May 15 at the Living Alley. submitted

GREENFIELD — Dogs will finally have their day with Mutts on Main from noon to 5 p.m. May 15. The North Street Living Alley between State and Pennsylvania Streets will be closed to vehicular traffic and open only to two- and four-legged creatures.

The event will include live music, food trucks, vendors, craft activities for children and events for our canine companions to enjoy with their humans.

“It will be fun even if you don’t have a dog,” promises Greenfield Main Street director Debra Smith.

The main event of the afternoon will be the costumed dog parade. Doors open at noon, with the parade beginning at 1 p.m. Awards will be given for Best Costume, and Best Trick. Smith is hoping that some pet owners will dress up with their dogs for the contest. Pre-registration is $15 per dog, available through a ticket link on the Greenfield Main Street: Mutts on Main Facebook page. Walk-in registration is $20 per dog the day of the event.

Musical entertainment will kick off at noon with Craig Moore — yes, the assistant principal of New Palestine Junior High. He will be followed by — naturally — Dawg Daze, a local classic rock band.

When you get hungry, the ever-popular Cajun Boiler will be on hand with hot dogs and Cajun mac & cheese. King’s Food Truck and Moo & Loo’s frozen treats will also be serving up refreshments.

The vendor section, with more than 10 booths, will be decidedly pet-centered with booths offering pet sitting services, obedience training, dog treats, dog merchandise and a pet photo booth. The Hancock County Humane Society and Partners for Animal Welfare (PAWS) will be offering on-site pet adoptions.

Pooch Pick-up will be there offering poo pick-up plans to help keep your yard free of doggy waste.

The selection of a pooch-centered event seemed like a natural choice to Smith, who comes from a family of veterinarians.

“I grew up around animals,” she said, “and I know the value they can bring to your life. I see people around Greenfield with their dogs, and I thought we should get those people involved and allow them to show off their fur babies.”

Smith, who took over the reins of Greenfield Main Street in 2020, has been looking to up the visibility of the group with an increase in events that cater to families. The Touch-a-Truck event in March drew several hundred people to the downtown to get up close to firetrucks, cement mixers, emergency vehicles and military transports.

“We’ll make that an annual event,” Smith said. She is hopeful for good weather and an equally positive response to Mutts on Main.

Pre-registration is available for $15. Proceeds from the event will benefit Greenfield Main Street programs with a portion going to the Hancock County Humane Society.

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Greenfield Main Street hosts Mutts on Main, from noon to 5 p.m. May 15 in the Living Alley (North Street between State and Pennsylvania).

The event includes live music, food trucks, vendors and a costumed pet parade.

Pre-register is $15 per dog at the Greenfield Main Street: Mutts on Main Facebook page. Walk-up registration in $20 per dog.

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