A huge Golden Retriever get-together recently took place in (where else?) Golden, Colorado. Over 1,000 Golden Retrievers joined in and strolled the streets of the small town for an annual event called “Goldens in Golden,” which honors National Golden Retriever Day.
Golden Retrievers Descend on Colorado Town
Every year, on the Saturday nearest to National Golden Retriever Day (which is Feb. 3), dogs belonging to the popular Scottish breed and their parents flock to the town of Golden (population: 19,871) just west of Denver.
According to Westword, Goldens in Golden is “the world’s largest ‘unofficial’ gathering of Goldens.” The town closes Washington Avenue for several hours for the event and invites leashed, trained, and friendly dogs to soak up the fun atmosphere together. Some dogs get all dolled up for the event, donning special bows, colorful tutus, and unique bandanas.
The canines and their human counterparts enjoy a day filled with pup cups (whipped cream in a cup for the dogs), Pupaccinos and dog-themed beers (for the humans), art projects, photo ops, vendor freebies, a canine meet-and-mingle in Parfet Park, and a huge group photo beneath a “Welcome to Golden Arch” sign in the city.
Nonprofit organizations like the Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies, Foothills Animal Shelter, and Morris Animal Foundation also partake in the festivities.
A Pawsome Event
2023 marked the third year of the event, which is hosted by Visit Golden.
“Golden Retrievers and Golden, Colorado really complement one another,” Megan Pinson of Visit Golden told 9News Denver before the event. “Goldens love our hiking trails and walking paths and enjoy socializing in our dog-friendly beer gardens and patios.”
She continued, “After the Goldens in Golden event, we encourage people and their pups to enjoy a Golden day together and, of course, come back throughout the year to enjoy all Golden offers.”
It should come as no surprise that the pet parents in attendance raved about their fur babies’ breed.
“Goldens are the best dogs on the whole planet,” Traci Zajaczkowski, who brought her two pups, Yeti and Blue, to the event, told The Gazette. “They have the best personalities.”
“This morning, I woke up with one curled up on my head, licking my head, and the other one chewing a bone and leaning up against me,” dog dad Chris Zajaczkowski said. “I’ve never met another breed that would do anything like that.”
Local business owners get in on the excitement, too. Café 13 General Manager Katie Filoreto, who offered pup cups to passersby, told The Gazette that “our biggest thing is being part of the community. I’m so excited about today, it’s the best day ever!”
