The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) will host its 30th annual “Stroll to the Sea” Dog Walk, presented by The One Nine Three Group on Sunday, October 8, from 9 AM to 12 PM (moved from the original date Saturday, October 7). The event is a fun, family outing set amidst the beautiful Hamptons fall foliage with the feel of an idyllic country fair. It is intended to promote responsible dog ownership and awareness of ARF.
The two-mile walk to the ocean and back will begin and end at the historic Mulford Farm, owned by the East Hampton Historical Society in the heart of East Hampton Village. Dog walkers can register at give.arfhamptons.org/DogWalk. The pre-registration fee is $40 for adults ($50 day of the event) and free for children 10 and under with a registered adult, donations are appreciated. Registration brochures are also available at the ARF Thrift Shop in Sagaponack. Walkers can participate virtually as well and walk wherever they might be located.
All registrants receive a free event t-shirt, tote bag and refreshments including Starbucks coffee, Dreesen’s Famous Donuts, Goldberg’s Bagels, apples and cider from The Milk Pail, dog treats, and water. This year’s t-shirt once again features original artwork by designer Isaac Mizrahi and the morning will include live music with singer/songwriter Sandy Rapp.
The walk will be followed by contests such as Dog/Companion Look Alike, The Pooch Who Can Smooch, and Stupid Pet Tricks with emcee NPR/PBS host Bill McCuddy. There will also be a free photo booth for pictures for participants and their dogs, along with a silent and Lucky #’s auction with many exciting products, services and experiences for humans and pets.
Top fundraisers win great prizes from local merchants including a CSA summer share for the 2024 season at Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett, a portrait of your pet by artist Carol Saxe, and a photo shoot with photographer Dee McMeekan of Dee is for Dogs.
Everyone who collects $250 or more in pledges receives a special gift, courtesy of Isaac Mizrahi. Those who register at the $175 level or higher are invited to attend the Kick-Off Cocktail Party on Friday, October 6, from 6 to 8 PM at a private home in East Hampton.
The dog contests and awards ceremony begin at 11 AM and the “Stroll to the Sea” festivities conclude at 12 PM. Rain date for the event is Sunday, October 8.