Welcome to another edition of our JAR Interviews! Today, we're thrilled to bring you an exclusive conversation with Eva Carbonaro, President of Cape Cod Doxie Day. This cherished event has stood as a high point of happiness for dachshund enthusiasts, with the 15th celebration just around the corner. Celebrating not just the irresistible charm of these "little long dogs," but also the vibrant community they create, Doxie Day is a heartfelt blend of whimsy and tradition set against the picturesque backdrop of historic Barnstable Village. From the Wiener Waddle and Waggin' Parade to the exuberant Doxie Dash, the event offers a smorgasbord of fun, fashion, and furry friendships—all for a worthy cause. So, sit back and dive into a world where dachshunds rule, and happiness comes in a small, elongated package.
Key Takeaways
Creativity and Fun: With events like the Wiener Waddle and Waggin' Parade, and the Doxie Dash, the day is filled with opportunities for creativity and enjoyment.
Philanthropy: Funds raised from the event benefit Friends of Falmouth Dogs, emphasizing the charitable aspect of the community gathering.
Community & Tourism: Cape Cod Doxie Day is a community magnet that attracts dachshund enthusiasts from across the country, providing a tourism boost that enriches local businesses.
Q: How did the Cape Cod Doxie Day come to be, and what has kept this tradition alive and thriving in Barnstable Village?
A: Doxie Day started as a gathering on Chapin Beach in Dennis as a way for dachshunds and their pet parents to get together. We were not sure how many people would come and could not believe the response we got that very first time! It just took off from there. Historic Barnstable Village is a beautiful setting, and the local businesses are so welcoming of us and all our guests. The courthouse complex is tucked away off Main Street with plenty of parking making it the perfect location. We just love to see Main Street filled with long little doggies!
Q: Can you tell us about the Wiener Waddle and Waggin' Parade, and the Doxie Dash? How can pet owners participate, and what are some highlights from previous years?
A: The parade kicks off the day, after singing the Dachs Song* of course. Participation is free and no registration is required. Guests are very creative and compete for titles and prizes for Best Dressed, Best Wagon, and Wiener Wannabe. The talented Stefanie Shank, Emmy nominated Art Director at Nickelodeon, designer, illustrator, and animator will judge the Wiener Waddle and Waggin’ Parade. Highlights have been a Jaws themed boat wagon with a “sharkwiener”, a pirate ship, a doctor, nurse and ambulance wagon, and a couple and their dogs dressed all in lederhosen. Dogs of all breeds and sizes dressed in hotdog costumes compete for Wiener Wannabe. We’ve had an Irish Wolfhound, Boxer, and LOTS of Golden Retrievers to name a few.
The Doxie Dash registration was announced on National Hot Dog Day and sold out within hours. We have a waiting list just in case there is a cancellation. Hopefuls can send us an email to be put on the list: doxiedayinfo@gmail.com. We have five heats of five dogs and then crown a champion. Some dogs run to the finish, some never leave the gate, and others just want to sniff the breeze. It’s adorable! Barnstable FD Chief Chris Beal will present the race champion with a one-of-a-kind bowl created for Doxie Day by Barnstable Pottery’s Kevin Nolan.
Photo Galleries: https://www.ccdoxieday.com/copy-of-doxie-day-2021
Q: How does this event benefit Friends of Falmouth Dogs, and can you tell us more about this organization's mission?
A: Funds raised at Doxie Day 2023 will benefit Friends of Falmouth Dogs. They have been helping dogs find their forever homes for over thirty years, and also have a program that assists pet owners with veterinary and food assistance.
Q: The Cape Cod Times mentions people attending from various states, including California, Michigan, Texas, and New York. How has Cape Cod Doxie Day attracted such a far-reaching audience?
A: It is so much fun to see how word has spread about Doxie Day! We have created something that people want to be a part of and not only do they come back each year, but they bring the whole family and their friends. We also get a lot of dachshund meet-up groups that make Doxie Day a destination. Cape Cod is awesome in the fall, and also a great time for dogs since most beaches allow pets. Doxie Day has so many picture-perfect moments that our guests share all over Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Doxie Day is also very active on social media.
Q: Besides the dachshund-centric activities, what other entertainment or attractions can attendees expect? Are there any new features or surprises planned for 2023?
A: The Cape Cod Ukulele Club will be joining us again this year and are always so much fun! Local Shell-ebrity Doug the Quahog will join the pack. We are adding a dog Fun Zone this year, and are excited to welcome Kyle Stockford, an edgy artist and dachshund dad with a pop-up gallery of works inspired by his four-legged friend Baby. Zoeby’s Custom Creations will be painting pup pawtraits.
Q: How can locals and tourists alike contribute to or volunteer for the event, ensuring it's a success?
A: People can just come out and enjoy the day, participate in some of the fun activities, take a chance to win some amazing prizes, and after Doxie Day they can walk to Main Street and support the local shops and restaurants. We will have some amazing Grand Prize Raffle Packages with tickets available online and at the event so that people can participate without being present at the event. Grand Prizes include a Boston Adventure, Nantucket Daytripper, Vera Bradley Dachshund Quilt, and the Cover of the 2024 Doxie Day Keepsake Booklet. These prizes will be posted on our website and social media in September. All well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Everything at Doxie Day is donated. If people would like to make a donation they can do so on our website: https://www.ccdoxieday.com.
Q: What safety and care measures are put in place for the dachshunds and other pets attending the event?
A: All well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome at Doxie Day. Vet records are checked for dogs participating in the Doxie Dash. We have plenty of outdoor space if dogs need a quiet place away from the activities. We also have plenty of fresh water bowls available around the event.
Q: How do you envision the future of Cape Cod Doxie Day, and are there plans for expansion or collaboration with other animal organizations?
A: Doxie Day has grown so much since we first started! We are a small but mighty group of dedicated volunteers. We participate in other animal related community events and are always open to ideas for collaboration with other animal organizations. To celebrate Doxie Day this year The Sturgis Library on Main Street in Barnstable Village has invited us to showcase dachshunds including memorabilia from Doxie Day in their lobby display case during the month of September. They will also be hosting a children’s story time with Miss Winnie the dachshund and our mini–Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. We participate in the town’s 4th of July parade with our kazoo band, and holiday stroll with our Doxie Day Cafe giving holiday puppuccino to all pets.
Q: With funds raised to benefit local animal organizations, how has Cape Cod Doxie Day impacted the community over the years, and what are the expectations for this year's fundraising?
A: We are so proud of the impact Doxie Day has had over the years! There are so many small, local animal organizations doing big things right here every day. Each year we select one of them to spotlight and not only raise much needed funds but help spread the word about the amazing things they are doing to help animals, pets, and their families in our community. We are also happy to bring people to Cape Cod outside of the summer season. Local businesses have been generous donors to the event, and we hope our guests will spend some time visiting them while they are here too!
(Editor's Note: The Dachs Song was written and performed by Murray Weinstock. The song is a tribute to the Dachshund breed of dogs and was released in 1994. It is available on Spotify and Amazon Music.)
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