Eighteen years after declaring that “if people can have parties, dogs can have parties too,” Alec Baldwin is once again inviting pets and their people to gather for the Gimli Community Dog Party on Saturday, Aug. 23.
What began as a boy’s love of dogs has grown into one of Gimli’s most beloved summer traditions. Baldwin was inspired by P.D. Eastman’s children’s book Go Dog, Go and the dog shows he watched on television. With help from his parents, Joel and Tanis Baldwin, he turned the idea into an annual community celebration.
“When I was a little boy, I saw dogs for the first time, Chuckie and Junior,” Baldwin said. “I loved dogs right away. I love training dogs, watching dog shows and showing my dog at dog shows.”
That passion even took him to New York in 2014, where he attended the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. “At the Dog Show, the dogs are judged on the breed standard,” he said. “I set up a conformation ring for anyone who wants to practice showing their dog.”
The event has grown over the years from makeshift agility courses built with pool ladders and boxes to a professional setup featuring tents for shade, sprinklers and a full set of obstacles. Even the pandemic couldn’t stop it: Baldwin adapted the gathering into a “Virtual Dog Party,” with participants sending in photos and videos of their pets.
Some of his favourite memories include seeing the sheer number of participants. “In 2016, we had 46 dogs and more than 80 people. That was incredible,” Baldwin said. “Since the pandemic, we have had fewer people, but all the parties are fun.”
This year’s party will run from 1 to 3 p.m. in the field beside Solvin Road, facing Highway 9. Activities include agility training, a giant lawn chair photo opportunity, a group walk, a group photo and plenty of time for dogs and owners to socialize. New this year is a “Guess the Dog Breed” contest.
Baldwin said his goal for the event is simple. “I hope they feel happy they came. I hope all the dogs are happy to meet other dogs. I hope everybody has fun.”
The event is free to attend. Guests are encouraged to bring a collar and leash, favourite toy, dog treats and a lawn chair.
For more information, contact Alec Baldwin and his parents Joel and Tanis at 204-642-9514 or beagle162@hotmail.com.
