Cardiff’s ‘Dog Days of Summer’ festival Aug. 8

Cardiff-by-the-Sea is ready to celebrate man’s best friend with its “Dog Days of Summer” festival Aug. 8! This annual one-day street fair for dogs and dog lovers will be from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Newcastle Avenue, Aberdeen Drive and Liverpool Drive.

The event is hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street and is expected to draw 10,000 four-legged friends, their fans and family members. This event is made possible through numerous sponsors, including the County of San Diego, Cardiff 101 Main Street and Cardiff’s favorite dog store, Dirty Dogs.

“This is a great event to benefit the Cardiff community,” said County Supervisor Dave Roberts. “It is fun for the public and their pets, and is the largest of its kind in the region. The County of San Diego is proud to support this community event.”

Beginning at 10 a.m., watch or enter four different dog contests including Cutest Puppy, Dog/Owner Look-A-Like, Best Looking Big Dog and Best Looking Small Dog. After the contest, local musical talents will be showcased at the Lost Abbey beer garden, with Jefferson Washington at 1 p.m. and Second Cousins at 3 p.m. Bring your pup and enjoy a beer while listening to these local legends!

Highlights of this year include a Blessing of the Dogs by the Rev. Christian Sorensen of the Seaside Center of Spiritual Living, more than 200 booths including pet adoptions from local shelters and rescue organizations as well as specialty pet products and services, food vendors, a doggie photo booth courtesy of Photography by Gabriela, doggie cool zones and a large silent auction!

New this year, to celebrate the 10th Annual Cardiff Dog Days of Summer, Canidae and GoPro will be hosting a Diving Dog Competition for dogs of all sizes, breeds and abilities. Check out www.americandivingdogs.com. In light of the severe drought, we are working closely with the local water district and water reclamation facility to make sure all water used in the Diving Dog Competition is reclaimed and recycled.

Dog Days of Summer’s biggest sponsor, Dirty Dogs, is offering huge discounts on food purchases, specialty pet products, and services Aug. 8 at their Cardiff location, 2107 San Elijo Ave.

Catch the free shuttle from Encinitas City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan. Proceeds benefit local animal charities and Cardiff 101 Main Street, which sponsors other community events throughout the year. Visit www.cardiffdogdaysofsummer.com.