Unseasonably warm weather aided in making the inaugural A-MAY-zing Weekend a success.
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Hosted by the Deniliquin Business Chamber, the event encouraged locals and visitors alike to get out and explore what the Deniliquin business and tourism community has to offer.
The aim on Saturday was to spend time in the Deniliquin CBD, supporting retail and hospitality businesses.
Sunday’s activities were held at Deniliquin Memorial Park, where a Doggy’s Day Out included competitions, information stands and some fun activities for the four-legged guests and their owners.
Deniliquin Business Chamber vice president Angela Parker said both were fantastic days.
With the added bonus of the Deniliquin Lions Community Market in the CBD on Saturday, Mrs Parker said there were plenty of people around.
“There were a lot of people out and about, which was the whole point,” she said.
“We wanted to get people out of their houses to explore and enjoy what Deniliquin has to offer.
“And (Sunday) was a great success too.
“We had little waves of people dropping by over the two hours, taking time to walk along the river and enjoying the activities.”
As an unofficial fundraiser for the RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk, participants on Sunday helped raise $435.
As well as being a chance for dog lovers to come together with their pooches, the day included a practice run for the official Deni Dachshund Dash race planned for November - won by Chloe Lawson and ‘Slinky’ - and a dress up competition, where people were encouraged to dress their dogs to represent a local business.
Deniliquin Pastoral Times content manager Zoe McMaugh and Karen Martin shared the best dressed prize honours.
Ms McMaugh’s toy poodle ‘Gia’ was dressed to represent the Pastoral Times, complete with a PT ‘uniform’, news hound name badge and a replica camera.
Mrs Martin’s dachshund ‘Lenny’ was dressed to represent the Deniliquin Ute Muster, with an official branded bluey singlet and mini cowboy hat with Ute Muster badge.
“We had some great support from businesses, including from the Deniliquin Veterinary Clinic which not only had an information stand but provided some great prizes and giveaways,” Mrs Parker said.
“Edward River Council ranger Justin Learmonth was there, and the information stand included a selection of books from the library for dog owners to have a look at.
“PetStock Echuca also helped out with providing prizes for the Dachshund Dash practice run, the best dressed and the raffle.
“It was great to see the dogs that did dress up, and to watch people sitting on the grass enjoying each other’s company and a sausage from the Rotary Club of Deniliquin barbecue.”
Mrs Parker said the Doggy’s Day Out was a test run for what chamber hopes will become an official Millions Paws Walk event in Deniliquin.
“It’s something we’re working toward, and we’ll be making an application to be an official event from next year,” she said.
Senior journalist