MARYSVILLE — Thousands of attendees, both human and canine, turned out for the sixth annual Poochapalooza, an event for dogs and their owners, on Saturday, July 14, at Strawberry Fields Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event featured more than 50 vendors, demonstrations, pet contests, rescue organizations, music, food and more. A “Fashions and Rescues Runway Show” took place beginning at 2 p.m. and for a suggested donation of $10, attendees could take a seat in the VIP area to view the models — rescue dogs in doggie designer wear. The VIP area sold out, and the Fashion Show was quite the success, according to Leslie Buell, president of the Marysville Dog Owners Group and Poochapalooza event director.

“They are all adoptable rescue dogs,” she said. “We give all those rescues a free booth, so after the show people can go to the booths and learn about the dogs. Last year the adoption rate was really good.”

Rescue groups included Homeward Pet, N.O.A.H., Camano Animal Shelter Association, Bulldog Haven NW, Springer Spaniel Rescue of America, Animal Rescue Foundation and Seattle Pug Rescue.

The fashion show wasn’t the only arena where dogs could show off at Poochapalooza. Canines were able to enter contests that included categories like Best Costume, Best Distance Catcher, Best Voice, Best Kisser, Highest Jumper, Wackiest Trick, Best Costume, Biggest Dog, Smallest Dog and Cutest Ugly Dog. A pie-eating contest was sponsored by the Dining Dog Cafe in Edmonds and dogs of all sizes were able to eat homemade chicken pot pies.

Performances included the Emerald City K-9 Freestyle Dancers, who put on a show for the crowd on the main stage with humans and dogs dancing together. Interactive demonstrations included the Canine Good Citizen Testing area, hosted by the American Kennel Club. Participants were evaluated by AKC representatives and put through a 10-step observation process for measuring canine response and behavior. K9 Nose Work offered scent demos for dogs interested in developing their natural scenting abilities.

The Seattle Flydogs Flyball team was sponsored by Angel of the Winds Casino and demonstrated the extreme sport of flyball, a relay race involving hurdles and a box, with four dogs to a team. The Seattle Flydogs demonstrated the sport to spectators, which included both people and dogs.

Overall, the event was exciting for venders and attendees. Rachel Daunais and Alyssa Daunais brought family dogs Coco and Wilson to Poochapalooza, for the second year in a row.

“We went last year,” said Rachel Daunais, who said that they’d definitely return again. “We have to come back. You don’t find an environment like this where everyone can interact and be happy. Here everybody is interested in your dogs.”

Holly Hatter brought her greater Swiss mountain dog Kona, along with daughters Kaitlyn and Camille, to Poochapalooza for their first time. “I’ve never been here before,” she said. “I love it, it’s really fun.”

Some people came from across the state just to be a part of this annual event. “I think it’s pretty neat and well laid out with all the vendors,” said Desiree Mendoza, a dog fashion designer who drove from Spokane to attend Poochapalooza. “We came for the fashion show, but with the unpredictable traffic we just missed it.”

Eileen Hinkley attended Poochapalooza with Scrub-A-Mutt, a nonprofit organization that hosts an annual fundraising dog wash with proceeds going to the Everett Animal Shelter, N.O.A.H., Animal Rescue Foundation and Old Dog Haven. “It’s wonderful,” she said. “All the dogs, all the people, the fun and the shows. It’s great.” Scrub-A-Mutt was also there helping Sadie, a foster dog, through the crowd looking for donations to help with the cost of Sadie’s double knee surgery.

“Through various donations and the Lake Stevens Animal Hospital doing the surgery for half, we are at about $1,200,” said Jennifer Ward, Scrub-A-Mutt co-director. “We are looking for another $1,000.” Scrub-A-Mutt is hosting it’s fifth annual dog wash on Aug. 18 also at Strawberry Fields.

“Mostly this began as a way to create awareness,” said Buell. “There are so many dog owners in Marysville. This year seemed really successful.”

For more information about Poochapalooza visit www.poochapalooza.org.