MARYSVILLE — The Marysville Dog Owners Group invites people and their pooches to the seventh annual Marysville Poochapalooza outdoor dog event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, at Strawberry Fields Park, located at 6100 152nd St. NE in Marysville.

Snohomish County’s largest dog event has kept tails wagging with an annual fashion show for rescue dogs, a canine flying disc tournament, Flyball exhibitions, and pie-eating and pet contests that give dogs their moment to shine.

“This year, we’re adding our ‘Running of the Wieners’ wiener dog races to the schedule, and invite dachshund owners to bring out the champion in their dogs,” said Leslie Buell, Poochapalooza founder and coordinator. “See these energetic low-rider pups give it their all for trophies, prizes and glory.”

Poochapalooza is free, but a suggested donation of $5 per person is requested, which will cover goodie-filled “wag bags” to the first 400 visitors. All proceeds support Strawberry Fields for Rover Off-Leash Park, which is maintained year-round by M-DOG volunteers.

This year’s Poochapalooza will again go high fashion with its Fashions and Rescues Runway Show, blending country charm with urban chic. The show will feature adoptable dogs modeling the latest eye-catching fashions live on the catwalk. The show is free. Special runway seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Plenty of competitions, activities and demonstrations enable dogs to try their paws at something new, including the Hyperflite Skyhoundz Canine Disc local championship at 11 a.m., Flyball, wacky pet contests, doggy pie-eating contests, Canine Good Citizen Testing, scent demonstrations, live music and dozens of pet-related vendors to let dog owners snoop for bargains, according to Buell.

The new “Running of the Wieners” wiener dog races will showcase low-to-the-ground but high-on-energy pups as they show off their speed and cunning in races starting at 2 p.m. The number of qualifier races will depend on how many wiener dogs are registered. Day-of-event registration is $10 per dog to race, while online entries are $7 at http://poochapalooza.org before July 1. Semi-final winners will compete in the grand finale race held sometime between 2:20-3 p.m., depending on the number of entrants. Buell reminds dog owners and other attendees to be sure to yell for their favorite dachshund when the race official sounds the “go” whistle.

“But don’t be surprised if more than a few dogs take time out along the way to socialize with fans and onlookers,” Buell said.

Dogs with a hidden talent can enter “Best in Show” contests like Best Kisser, Best Voice, Wackiest Pet Trick, and Pooch Pie-Eating Contests. Contest donation cost is $5 for one contest, or $10 for unlimited contests, excluding the Pooch Pie-Eating Contest in big and small dog categories, which is $10. Register at the event. Visit the Poochapalooza website at http://poochapalooza.org for the forms and schedule. The pie-eating contests and fashion show will be are emceed and sponsored by Dining Dog Café and Bakery of Edmonds and Owner Dorothy Moore.

Food and refreshments will be available for purchase from the Marysville Kiwanis Club in support of youth programs, and from other vendors. Parking is free. Rare Birds and Rosemary will provide live music from 4-5 p.m.

For more information about Poochapalooza, contact Leslie Buell by phone at 360-651-0633 or via email at labuell@frontier.com, or visit the website at http://poochapalooza.org. “Like” Poochapalooza on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/poochapalooza.