Dundee Dog Days set for Sunday; volunteers needed

West Dundee trustees are hoping to tap into the same civic pride they saw last year when dozens of residents volunteered for summer events. They need them to help with a Sunday afternoon in the park for dogs and their owners and planting along the river walk.

"We need from 10 to 12 volunteers to help with the Dundee Dog Show," said volunteer coordinator Jill Harris. "The volunteers will help judging and games we have planned. They also will help with registration and seeing that the agility course runs smoothly."

The only requirement is volunteers must like dogs. Dundee Dog Days will run from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 27 at Prairie Meadow Park, off Village Quarter Road.

"We'll be out there at 6 o'clock in the morning setting everything up," she said. "There's no age requirement. In the past we've have high school students help with the various events."

Want to attend Dog Days, but don't have time to volunteer? Just show up, with or without your dog. There will be plenty of activities, vendors, and other displays of interest to pet owners. There is no admission fee, but the village requests visitors to bring a nonperishable donation to the FISH food pantry.

More volunteers are needed for Aug. 28 when a riverwalk cleanup and planting party are scheduled.

"We want as many people as possible to take part in this," said village employee Kim Tibbitts. "We did something similar in April for Earth Day, and we had about 50 volunteers help us."

Volunteers, who can bend and lift light objects, are asked to bring their own small gardening tools and wear comfortable clothing. Residents will be walking along Lincoln Avenue.

Heritage Fest planners are also looking for an army of volunteers to help put on the annual West Dundee-sponsored festival from Sept. 17-19. Residents will help before, during and after the event. They will sell tickets, distribute beer, wine and soft drinks, help with events in Grafelman Park and clean up when the party is over.

About 30 volunteers are also needed for a party planned in Grafelman Park on Halloween. The residents will help with pumpkin and face painting from 11 a.m., to 2 p.m.

People interested in volunteering for any of the events, or seeking more information, should call the West Dundee village hall at (847) 551-3800.