The Whisker Walk: A Barking Good Time in Lancaster!

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

While the upcoming months will offer plenty of opportunities to sample the festivities in numerous towns, next weekend will offer a special event where both people AND canines are most welcome: the Whisker Walk in Lancaster, MA!
Here’s a quick overview of what this poochapalooza promises.
The Whisker Walk, now in its seventh year, brings together dogs, dog owners, rescue workers and more than 100 pet-related groups for an afternoon of outdoor fun. This year’s walk will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lancaster Fairgrounds, which also hosts the well-known Bolton Fair.

Photo: Whisker Walk via Facebook

A true highlight of the 2014 Whisker Walk will undoubtedly be the Top Dog Contest, which will crown the cutest pup at the fairgrounds. While submissions are now closed for the contest, you can still make your voice heard through June 1, by voting on the website of WXLO 104.5FM, which is sponsoring this part of the event.
The lucky dog (and his or her owner) will get take home a VCA Hospital Best Care package, valued at upwards of $500, as well as some serious bragging rights. Additionally, the top three dogs will be rewarded with medals, and the top 10 tail-waggers will each get a Top Dog statue.
What’s there to do at Whisker Walk, outside of petting friendly pooches and seeing which pup reigns as the top dog? Plenty! The event also has a variety of family-friendly activities for attendees.
For kids, there will be face painting and games, as well as inflatable rides and a trackless train (as long as the weather cooperates). No visitors will go hungry at the fairgrounds, either; burgers, chili dogs, steak subs, pretzels and soft-serve ice cream are just a few of the treats available on site.
Adults can content themselves by watching their four-legged companions take part in a number of entertaining pursuits, including a doggy agility course and a canine carnival. Dog owners can also exchange their pet’s bagged doo-doo for a raffle ticket, which just might turn into a prize. For a look at years past at the Whisker Walk, take a peek at this video.

Of course, visitors traveling to the area will be in need of a place to stay that accommodates both two- and four-legged visitors. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of options in the area.
The Extended Stay America suites in Marlborough, which is just a 20-minute drive from the grounds, recently completed renovations, and several of their rooms are pet-friendly. The Rodeway Inn, another place that welcomes the weary and the furry, is less than a half-hour’s drive away. To spin through some more pet-friendly lodging spots in Massachusetts, click here and here.
Do you leave your pet at home or bring it on the road when you travel? Let us know in the comments!
Photo at the top courtesy of dee & tula monstah on Flickr

TOPICS: Central MA, Lancaster, Whisker Walk