PORTLAND’s Ploughed Field is set to explode Saturday January 20 with dogs of all shapes and sizes, dressed in all manner of sartorial finery as the field becomes the site for the city’s inaugural Dog Dress Prom.

A brainwave dreamed up by the Rotary Club of Portland Bay President Malcom Alexander, the Prom promises to be great fundraiser for emergency animal relief while providing loads of fun for all dog lovers. And, of course, their dogs.

Rotary Club members Susan Anthony and Patsy Moore were singled out by Mr Alexander to be the coordinators for the event. They were “an obvious target when he went looking for organisers” because of their association with the Portland Dog Obedience Club, Ms Moore laughed.  

There will be seven main competition categories: Best Owner and Dog Look Alike; Happiest Dog; Waggiest Dog; Best Trick; Best Dressed Dog; Cutest Puppy; and Best Dressed Beach Dog. Other events will be called on the day, such as a musical chairs game for owners and dogs where the last dog sitting wins.

Ms Moore said there will also be opportunities for a fun photo shoot with a beach scene photo booth, a variety of doggie stuff stalls, and of course the Rotary Coffee Van on site for dog lovers who need to be permanently attached to a takeaway coffee.

The organisers are open to additional ideas for the day via www.rotaryportlandbay.org.au or via the I Love Portland Facebook page.  

So, get those dog costumes out, brief your dogs about their special day, and don’t forget their lead.

Where & when: Ploughed Field, Bentinck St, Saturday 20 January 20024, 10 am to 12.30pm.

Registrations: from 10 am to 10.30 am.

Registration fee: $10 per dog.