Is your pup a candidate?
Credit: Adam Roye / UnSplash
Democracy is going to the dogs in Wilton Manors... and we mean that as a compliment.
The city is launching Fur the People, a new campaign to elect its first-ever Dog Mayor. The race begins Thursday, Sept. 10, with a Campaign Kickoff Paw-ty from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Colohatchee Dog Park, located at 1975 NE 15th Ave.
Human handlers can learn how to enter their furry candidates while enjoying complimentary refreshments, free pup treats and free dog park access. Campaign promises involving unlimited belly rubs and stricter squirrel enforcement are presumably welcome.
As verified by Browardist, the election is open to dogs owned by Wilton Manors residents and non-residents with a Colohatchee Dog Park membership. Memberships may be obtained at Hagen Park Community Center, located at 2020 Wilton Drive.
Owners must submit an application, signed park rules and waiver, current rabies and Bordetella vaccination records and identification. Resident memberships cost $30, while non-resident memberships cost $120.
Candidate entries will remain open through Sept. 22. Next, the city will launch a public voting page to determine the top 10 candidates.
Those canine contenders will be unveiled Oct. 22 during the Bark the Vote & Costume Parade, scheduled from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Colohatchee Dog Park. An election will follow in November, with Wilton Manors’ inaugural Dog Mayor crowned during a winter holiday show.
So, finally, a local election where digging up dirt on an opponent may be... completely literal.
