Mad River Valley Dog Park throws a dog-a-palooza Rover Roundup Oct. 4
September 26, 2025 | By Waterbury Roundabout
Two years after its grand opening, the Mad River Valley Dog Park will host its first community gathering celebration dubbed the Rover Roundup.
Built entirely with community contributions, volunteer labor, and a grant from the Vermont Better Places Program, the park is managed by the Mad River Valley Dog Park Committee under the fiscal sponsorship of the nonprofit Mad River Valley Recreation District.
The park is located at the Brooks Recreation fields near Warren Elementary School on School Road in Warren. It consists of 1.5 acres of fully fenced-in free play areas for dogs, including a small-dog park, agility features, shade structures, and gathering areas.
The committee, along with the help of StewardMRV, manage the ongoing maintenance of the park.
The Oct. 4 dog-a-palooza Rover Roundup will raise funds to cover annual operating expenses. (Rain date is Oct. 5.) Dogs are welcome to attend as long as they are on leash and there will be a free-play zone available for off-leash play during the event.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be music, food, and a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream truck (with dog desserts) and a host of dog-related activities. There also will be craft activities and facepainting for kids.
Vendors will feature canine wares and services, and a silent auction on-site will offer a variety of prizes including a week’s stay in a beautiful medieval town in Umbria, Italy.
Booths will include a chance to problem-solve with a dog behaviorist, a grooming booth to take care of nails and anal glands, and a chance to meet with a pet psychic. Visit the photo booth to have your dog’s image featured in the park’s upcoming “Dogs of the Mad River Valley Dog Park” calendar. Throughout the day there will be demonstrations on topics such as brushing techniques, agility, tricks training, and professional Frisbee dog skills.
The Roundup will also have multiple dog contests with prizes starting with a costume parade around the park. Winners will be judged in the categories of “best overall costume,” “best dog/human costume pair,” and “best homemade costume.” Other categories will be:
Best Rescue Story: Bring your dog to the stage and tell how you helped give them a new “leash” on life. (Everyone’s a winner for this one!)
Not So Stupid Pet Tricks: Show off your dog’s special talents, no matter how quirky!
Best Kisser: Judges will get kissed by a lot of dogs and decide who can give the longest kiss without a break!
Musical Sit: Like musical chairs – when the music stops, dogs must sit!
Catch Contest: Come show off your dog’s frisbee or ball catching skills! The most catches in 60 seconds will win!
Dog of the Roundup: Bring a photo or have one taken at the park. Event goers will vote for their favorite. Winners will be featured on the cover of the upcoming Dogs of the Mad River Valley Dog Park calendar.
Organizers suggest a donation of $10 per person or $20 family for entry to the event. Some of the featured services will request an additional donation. Entries for the contests can be made in advance online at mrvdogpark.com or in person at the park on the day of the Roundup. The entry fee is $5, which will benefit the dog park’s programs. Anyone wishing to support the dog park separate from this event can do so online on the park’s website.
More details and a full schedule are online at mrvdogpark.com. For questions or to volunteer to help out at the Rover Roundup, please contact the Mad River Valley Dog Park Committee at mrvdogpark@gmail.com.