After 2 years of being kennelled onto online Zoom versions, San Francisco’s notoriously cute DogFest winningly returned in person last Saturday April 23rd.
Hundreds of dogs took over scenic Duboce Park to socialize, play, and compete in contests that awarded them on various categories such as “best ears,” “best coat,” and more.
Duboce Park was alive with everyone from the community either interacting with all the merchant and vendor booths, participating in the amusing show, or even just lounging on the lush grass to take in the amazing city view.
This event was put on by the Duboce’s nearby McKinley Elementary School, which for 15 years has continually helped raise funds, even virtually in the last two years. Being back in person this year signaled triumphant progress for both the community and park, especially exciting for the playful pups and children.
There were plenty of carnival games and fun activities for children, along with several kiosks for local organizations and sponsors like Jeffrey’s Natural Pet Foods, Paws For Purple Hearts, and The Harvey Milk Community Center.
Aside from the sweet faire of cotton candy and snow cones, delectable provisions were catered by Sam’s Chowder House and Filipino-fusion Señor Sisig out of their local food trucks, as well as Jamba Juice and Third Wheel Coffee all for affordable prices.
As Hoodline described last year’s virtual dog show as “a parade of cute,” this year’s in-person extravaganza definitely amped up the factor in that category.
The delightful contest spanned all day, judging on factors of Best Costume, Tail, Trick, Lap Dog, and more, all ending in the (Openly Corrupt) Best in Show.
Among the skilled and scrutinizing judges was Senator Scott Wiener, a big enthusiast of the event, declaring it to be his favorite kind to attend in San Francisco, and his shirt to wear.
Tofu looks chill as she takes home the trophy for best costume.
Aside from the amusing competition, DogFest also featured a silent auction, a "Doggie Dash" 5K, and plenty of local crafts for everyone of all ages to enjoy, all making this year's long-awaited return to the historic and picturesque park a first-place treat for the city, especially its furry residents.
