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Photos courtesy of Trussville Chamber of Commerce.
Shots from the 2023 Trussville Dog Daze event.
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Photos courtesy of Trussville Chamber of Commerce.
Shots from the 2023 Trussville Dog Daze event.
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Photos courtesy of Trussville Chamber of Commerce.
Shots from the 2023 Trussville Dog Daze event.
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Photos courtesy of Trussville Chamber of Commerce.
Shots from the 2023 Trussville Dog Daze event.
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Photos courtesy of Trussville Chamber of Commerce.
Shots from the 2023 Trussville Dog Daze event.
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Photos courtesy of Trussville Chamber of Commerce.
Shots from the 2023 Trussville Dog Daze event.
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Photos courtesy of Trussville Chamber of Commerce.
Shots from the 2023 Trussville Dog Daze event.
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Photos courtesy of Trussville Chamber of Commerce.
Shots from the 2023 Trussville Dog Daze event.
Every year, Trussville Dog Daze draws the community together for a day of celebration that blends closely held traditions with exciting new experiences. This year’s event will take place on Sept. 14 on the Mall, with fun-filled opportunities for the whole family.
Dog Daze was started in the 1980s as an opportunity for Trussville residents to get to know each other and learn more about their community. Over the years, it has been through changes — even temporarily being renamed Trussville City Fest and moved to Main Street — but the spirit of the event remains the same.
“Dog Daze has always been more than just a festival. It’s a celebration of the Trussville community,” said Melissa Walker, interim event director of the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Each year, we strive to create an event that honors our traditions while embracing new ideas. This year, we’re thrilled to bring everyone together again for what we believe will be the most memorable Dog Daze yet.”
This year’s festival will include live entertainment, food and activities for attendees of all ages. Throughout the day, Dog Daze will feature a stage with live performers, including Highway 11 Band and students from Trussville dance and vocal studios. Music will be provided by Puttin’ on the Ritz DJ Service.
The name Dog Daze refers to the dog days of summer, not pets, but ever since the event started, people have brought dogs along — and the community has embraced it. Furry friends are not only welcome, they have their own special event. In the afternoon, pets will parade across the stage before a panel of judges in the Pup Strut. Dogs can be registered to participate anytime that day for a $5 fee, and all proceeds will go directly to Cahaba Dog Park.
There will truly be something for everyone at Dog Daze. Shoppers can enjoy over 100 local vendors on the mall selling from trucks, tents and tables. There will also be food and dessert options, including Chick-fil-A.
Kids activities will stretch throughout the mall area, including the Touch a Truck area, where kids will get to take an up-close look at large vehicles like dump trucks and tractors. Free activities also include a foam dance party, arts and crafts stations, balloon art, face painting and a photo booth. Wristbands to enter the Kid Zone for unlimited rides on inflatable slides will be available for purchase for $25 (cash only) and all proceeds will go to the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund. Official Dog Daze T-shirts will be available for $15.
Artistic Trussville residents can head to the flagpole area to show off their skills in the sidewalk art competition presented by Trussville Parks and Recreation. At nearby Heritage Hall, history lovers can stop by to see items from the Trussville Historical Society's collections.
“We have loads of items, such as furniture that was sewn for the project houses when they were first occupied in 1938,” said treasurer Jane Alexander. The historical society also plans to offer rock painting for kids.
And sports fans need not worry that they’ll miss Saturday’s football games. The new Game Day Experience will feature live game broadcasting, interactive challenges, interviews and sports trivia.
Brown Automotive is the title sponsor of Dog Daze for a second year.
“After experiencing the support and the love the community has for this event, we knew we had to be involved again and again,” said Brown’s Director of Client Relations, Alex Speakman, who grew up in Trussville and remembers attending Dog Daze as a child. “Trussville is such a tight-knit community. Dog Daze is a great way to meet the whole family, including the lovable pooches!”
After a day on the Mall, the festivities will continue with the Dog Daze ending celebration at the Entertainment District. At 7 p.m., local singer Ethan Womack will open for one of Trussville’s favorite hometown bands, sideCar, who will be playing from 8 to 10 p.m.
Learn more at trussvillechamber.com/event/trussville-dog-daze.
