OAK HILL, W.Va. (WOAY) – At Ace Adventure Resort, spring isn’t just about sunshine and trails, it’s also about getting outside with our four-legged friends.
Next Saturday, May 10, Ace will host the first-ever Dog Days of Spring event, a full day designed for dogs and their people. Chris Colin, Special Events Coordinator at Ace Adventure Resort, says it’s all about getting outside and celebrating the bond between pets and their owners.
“So we got Dog Days of Spring coming up next Saturday, May the 10th, down here at Ace Adventure Resort,” Colin said.
One of the main highlights will be the inaugural Bark Bash 5K, a fun run made just for dogs and their humans.
“There’s a whole day where you can come out, play with your dog, bring your dog down here to do adventures like a 5K run, our Bark Bash 5K. First one ever,” Colin said.
But the fun doesn’t stop at the finish line. The festival is packed with activities for every kind of canine, from high-energy runners to laid-back loungers.
“We got Paint Your Pet with Wild, Wonderful Paint Parties. They’ll kind of guide you through that. They’ll make a drawing of your pet for you to kind of get you started in that adventure. Doggy Yoga with New River Yoga. Also, we got a bunch of dog vendors that are going to be down here,” Colin said.
After a long winter, Colin says it’s the perfect time for both people and their pups to shake off the cabin fever.
“So it’s all about getting out. Have an adventure with your dog. It’s springtime. They’ve been cooped up all winter too. They want to get outside, go for hikes and go for runs. So bring your four-legged friend down here to Ace and get out and explore the New River Gorge,” he said.
The idea for the event, Colin said, came from his own dog, who joins him at work every day.
“I got my dog out here with me. She kind of is at work with me every day doing stuff. So just kind of getting people out to have those adventures and wanting to do things with their dogs,” he said.
The Bark Bash 5K kicks off at 10 a.m. and offers a scenic route with a major payoff at the turnaround point.
“It’s going to take you out to our Concho, overlooking one of the prettiest views in West Virginia. There’ll be a water station out there for you and your pup to get hydrated and then make the trek on back here to the lake. Hit the finish line, and maybe you score some cool prizes, like some Ruffwear gear or gift certificates from Ace Adventure Gear,” Colin said.
To register or learn more about the Dog Days of Spring, visit aceraft.com and click on the Events tab.
