By Meggan Fink
Member, Pillars of Elkhart

Elkhart — As those ‘dog days of summer’ approach, the Pillars of Elkhart are helping the community survive the heat and reality of back-to-school with an evening of live music, food and family and pet-friendly fun.

Pillars of Elkhart are hosting the fifth annual ‘Dog Daze of Summer’ on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 6 p.m to 11 p.m. in Central Park, downtown Elkhart. Dog Daze will feature live music from local rock and blues band, High Gravity and local country singer-songwriter, Zach DuBois.

Admission is $5, gaining access to music, local vendors and a beer garden. Guests are encouraged to bring their dogs as long as they are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations and other shots and on a leash. Pools of water will be available for furry friends to cool off in.

Food vendors will include Kona Ice, Hotdogeddy’s, Javis Taco Truck and Weiner Shack. Pet-related vendors include Second Chance Small Dog Rescue, Career Center Vet Assistant Program, Elkhart Police Department Animal Control, Animal Care Clinic North, Planet Canine and more. Vendors will offer kid-friendly activities like face painting and pet demos.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will support Second Chance Small Dog Rescue, a local volunteer-managed nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of small dogs in “forever” homes.