(Orillia, ON- August 1, 2024) As part of the 2024 Orillia Waterfront Festival, local pups are
invited to show off their skills in a dock-diving competition.
The event takes place near the federal dock next to Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia. A small
dock, sponsored by EZDock, will be installed at the water’s edge and each dog will have a
chance to run and leap into the water. Owners are welcome to bring a favourite toy or ball to
throw to encourage their pet to jump. The best jumpers have a chance to win exciting prizes
courtesy of Mimi’s Pet Grooming and PetValu.
Registration for the Dock Diving Dog Contest is open to anyone, provided that all participating
pets are non-aggressive and sufficiently trained to obey their owner’s commands. Each animal
must be accompanied by an adult. All breeds, sizes, and abilities are welcome, and enthusiasm
is taken into consideration when determining the best jumps!
Dock Diving Dogs is a lot of fun to watch and is a must-see component of the Waterfront
Festival. Spectators will enjoy feats of canine athleticism punctuated by hilarious attempts by
less-skilled but equally adorable pups. Stopping to watch the contest is also a great way for
Waterfront Festival-goers to take a break from the heat and enjoy a refreshing breeze off the
lake.
The contest will run on Saturday, August 10, starting at noon, and Sunday, August 11, starting at
3 p.m. Participants are asked to pre-register at https://www.orillia.com/events/details/dock-
diving-dogs-896?calendarMonth=2024-08-01 and arrive 15 minutes prior to the event start time.
A waiver is required to be filled out by each participant, and dogs must remain under their
owner’s control at all times and leashed when not jumping.
The Orillia Waterfront Festival takes place August 9 through 11, 2024, and also features in-
water boat displays, live music, a cardboard boat race, and a vendor market. It is free for the
public to attend and is organized by the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce.
The Orillia District Chamber of Commerce is a non- profit association providing a voice
for an integrated and prosperous business community. The Chamber’s mandate is to
foster economic development and advocate on behalf of its members to promote
sustainable growth in Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Severn, Ramara, and Chippewas of Rama
First Nation.
