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By Fatima Ortega Guevara
The Bayport-Blue Point Library had a paw-some time hosting its second annual Bayminster Dog Parade and Artisan Fair on April 27.
The afternoon was filled with music, shopping, raffles, food, and adorable dogs — all bringing the community together for a lighthearted parade and a friendly competition to crown the best pup.
“When I said dogs, they all went ‘YES DOGS,’” said Maureen Russo, recording secretary and fundraising coordinator for Friends of the Library. The idea came from a unanimous vote in favor of a new fundraising event that would draw in a crowd.
Keep scrolling for photos from the great day
Friends of the Library, a nonprofit all-volunteer organization, organized the event to raise money for the library. Their ongoing mission is to enhance library resources for the community. So far, they’ve helped fund lawn games, video games, and new technology that patrons can borrow.
“Our community loves dogs … so I think it’s a wonderful idea to get a bunch of dogs together,” said Allison Franzese, an adult reference librarian at the Bayport-Blue Point Library.
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Beyond fundraising, the event also helped increase public awareness and engagement with the library.
“It definitely increases attendance. We’re getting a lot of people here to see the library. A lot of the people that come to these sorts of events have never been to the library before,” Franzese added.
Proud dog owners lined up with their pups to march around the Bayport-Blue Point Library Garden. The parade was short, but filled with joy. Classic tunes like “Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men echoed through the event space.
“My dogs are very sociable, and they love people, they love meeting other dogs…,” said Danica Kazic, a first-time attendee.
The event also gave dogs a safe and social environment to interact with each other.
“It’s nice for her to be around other dogs and people that are enthusiastic about their dogs as much as we are,” said Nicole Menchise, who participated in the dog competition.
Judging began shortly after the parade, with several playful categories up for grabs — including largest dog, smallest dog, most creative grooming, best tricks, best dressed, and more. Menchise’s dog, Daisy Menchise-Mandel, took home the prize for Best Tricks.
Vendors from across Long Island also set up shop to promote their businesses. Laurie Schmeizer, owner of Dog Days Petcare, said Russo invited her to last year’s event.
“We have tons of clients right in this neighborhood, so I was like, ‘Well, I have to come,’” Schmeizer said.
It proved to be a perfect opportunity for local businesses to connect with the community and gain long-term customers. “I plan on doing it every year,” she added.
Despite heavy winds, this year’s event drew an even bigger crowd than last year. The welcoming atmosphere left a lasting impression on vendors and attendees alike.
“We would love to come back next year if it’s around,” said Gina Plutchok, owner of The Shore Dog.
Photos
All photos by Fatima Ortega Guevara
Fatima Ortega Guevara is a reporter with the SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
