Submitted by Stephanie Steinman
Tonasket- Okanogan Valley Lions Club
TONASKET – Dogs and their owners weaved their way through the Spooky Pooch Patch, Haunted Hound Swamp, Zombie Creek and Ruh-Roh River on Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Tonasket Okanogan Valley Lion’s Club Howl-O-Ween dog walk in Chief Tonasket Park. There were 32 entrants requiring two waves of walkers which resulted in over $500 raised for the Leader Dog program and food for local rescues.
Alizae DeVon and Oreo accepting the award for Spooktacular Duo from CJ Bradshaw-Utt. Oreo is a rescue dog who was adopted from NO Paws Left Behind in Oroville.
In the final stretch, walkers scrambled through the Creepy Crypt Cemetery and were served hot dogs, apple cider and other snacks at the finish line while voting for costume contests commenced. The first place finisher of this 3K event was Emily Nissen and Lucy with a time of 22:03. Ghouls Choice was awarded to Alysa Edwards (11) and Bodie. Scariest costume went to Gaven Smith (9) and Speck. The award for Spooktacular Duo was given to Alizae DeVon (11) and Oreo. And finally, Most Bootiful went to Roni DeVon and Honey. Two of the costume contest winners, Oreo and Honey, were adopted from NO Paws Left Behind dog rescue in Oroville.
CJ Bradshaw-Utt, the chairperson of the event, asserted “Lion members would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this event a success with special thanks to the sponsors of the event: Choice Auto, II Sisters Video, Pastime Bar & Grill, Montanye Ranch LLC, Patrick & Marie Moore, and Kristin Arment. We would also like to thank all who participated in this year’s event; we saw some very creative costumes and without their contributions this event would not have been possible. You are truly helping Lions make a difference.”
Honey, winner for Most Bootiful. Honey is a rescue dog who was adopted from NO Paws Left Behind in Oroville.
According to Bradshaw-Utt, the Lions Club has listened to participants suggestions and will make some improvements to the event next year. These changes will include a shorter course for little dogs, costume judging before the walk starts, and restroom facilities.
“This event is a new event for our club and we are open to suggestions to make it better each year. We appreciate the input from our participants and are open to any other suggestions members of the community may have. All in all this event was a success and our goal is to improve on that success every year,” sad Bradshaw-Utt.
The Tonasket Okanogan Valley Lions Club has 20 members and meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 pm at Whistler’s Family Restaurant in Tonasket. Lions clubs are groups of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. If you enjoyed this event, consider joining our club and help us plan more events like it. For more information or to get involved with the Tonasket Okanogan Valley Lions Club, please contact Tracie at (509) 429-8152, visit our website at www.eclubhouse.org/sites/tonasket_okanogan_valley/, or visit the facebook page for Tonasket Okanogan Valley Lion’s Club.
