Bringing Together Dachshund Lovers for an Unforgettable Celebration

Eager to host your own gathering or help me out next year? Read on!

We just had a woofable World Dachshund Day Celebration 2025! Click the link to view our recent World Dachshund Day 2025 blog post and videos.

I chose the Lynndale Park Amphitheater in Lynnwood, Washington for the venue. It had an expansive feel and easy access to the .4 mile paved walking paths with ample parking and clean accessible bathrooms. A 12’ x 12’ portable fence was placed on the stage area for off-leash pup playtime. The tiered seating offered a great setup for the large photo op providing good visibility of the pups and their people. One retaining wall and chain linked fence made for the perfect shelf for the event photo poster board.

The downsides of the venue were:

• There was $130.00 usage fee for the Amphitheater which I had not anticipated. I incurred the costs of the park fee and the event poster board and signage ($100.).
• No handrails made for challenging walking down to the seating.
• No fundraising was allowed in the City Park so flyers highlighting four local dachshund rescues were distributed in greeting cards, but no donations were collected.
• The unsheltered venue kept us on edge as Mother Nature changed her mind repeatedly during the week preceding the event. Thankfully, we had dry weather and comfortable temperatures.

Issues to consider for next year 2026:
Keep the Lynndale Park venue but change to Shelter #1 for easier access and cover in case of rain. The usage fee is $130. I also welcome other venue suggestions.

City Park regulations do not allow for fundraising, so again we would highlight local rescues without taking donations.

The Summer Solstice in 2026 is on Sunday, June 21st which is Father’s Day in the United States. I would suggest meeting the following Sunday, June 28 th instead. I will also solicit date recommendations from the group members.

How best to take the group photo and set up the event board photo op at Shelter #1?

This year we primarily used the event as a meet and greet, photo ops, walk with our dogs, supplying rescue information, and bring your own picnic. Would we want to add another activity like costume contest or longest dachshund or have one of the rescue organizations present with
dogs ready for adoption or a Q&A for potential adoption in the future?

This year Thomas Wert and I organized and facilitated the event—including the loading and unloading and reloading the car. In hindsight we needed a team of volunteers. We were deeply grateful for the people at the end who helped return the items back to the car.

For all those individuals who were so complimentary and commented, “We can’t wait until next year,” please consider participating with the planning and implementing team! Watch for a call-for-joining invitation in April 2026 on this blog and my social media.

Even small gatherings benefit from the support of a dedicated team. Enthusiastic volunteers who are comfortable with tasks such as communications, sponsorship outreach (perhaps to offset the Park rental fee and signage costs?), vendor management, logistics, and event day coordination are warmly welcome. Clear roles volunteered and assigned help to avoid confusion as planning progresses.

Volunteers are needed for:

• Assist with placing flyers at local shops, restaurants and other locations with bulletin boards (more about that below in Getting the Word Out)
• Share event social media posts with other interested friends
• Setting out directional signage
• Assist with unloading the car and set up
• Staffing the Welcome Table
• Check-in: Set up a welcoming station for collecting Names (people and dogs), telephone number if they would like follow-up photos and videos. Handing out event materials or swag bags.
  Identification: Provide name tags for humans and custom bandanas or tags for dachshunds.
• Have an up to date first aid kit in case of a scraped knee, etc.
• Photographer for the Group Shot
• Photographer for the event posterboard
• Facilitate any added activity
• Assist with reloading the car
• Clean up
• Remove directional and other signage

Getting the Word out is crucial for a successful turnout. We can employ a mix of traditional and
digital strategies:

• Social Media: Create event pages on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and local pet forums.
• Flyers and Posters: Distribute eye-catching materials at pet stores, groomers, and dog-friendly cafés.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses and animal organizations to widen our reach.
• Community Calendars: List the event on local websites and in newspapers.
• Word of Mouth: Encourage attendees to invite friends, neighbors, and other dog lovers.

Post-Event Outreach
Similar to mailing a thank you note after receiving a gift or visit with a friend—so too—I sent photos and /or videos to those who participated. Creating a montage of the event and texting this to all those who provided contact information was a vital link of continued connection and
appreciation. Whether it is our weekly Wednesday Doxie Play Dates or our local World Dachshund Day Celebration—a record of memories becomes even more valuable over time. And when shared on social media others might be inclined to join in the future!

Can’t wait for next year!