Rain can’t stop Rotary Club from fetching funds at Dog Day event

Cold rain drove dozens of vendors inside at the Fort Erie Conservation Club on Saturday, but the Rotary Club of Fort Erie’s third annual Dog Day Afternoon event pressed on, with 55 registered vendors and a roster of community service groups competing for a thinner crowd than usual.

The rain kept the usual outdoor crowd away, but the fundraiser still drew dog owners and curious visitors to the Conservation Club on Ott Road.

Proceeds from the silent auction, penny sale and vendor fees go directly to local charities, including food banks, the Salvation Army and student scholarships, said lead organizer Kathy Klune of the Fort Erie Rotary Club.

“We wanted to get out in the public, and let people see what we do to give back,” said Klune.

Vendors who braved the weather said the chance to connect with potential customers face-to-face was worth the gamble.

“I love pottery and I love my dog. I make custom pet bowls, so I figured it would be a great spot,” said Kristen Genzer, owner of Lavender and Crow.

Genzer started her pottery business in her basement during the pandemic and now sells handcrafted pet bowls and mugs.

The Salvation Army set up a booth to inform residents about its food bank, free income tax program, summer day camp and emergency water-bill assistance offered in partnership with the Town of Fort Erie.

“With weather like this, the turnout is low, but we’re still here,” said Natalie Beres, the agency’s community program coordinator.

Klune said the event grew from a plan for a small pet costume show into a recurring market that draws repeat visitors.

The Rotary Club books the Conservation Club grounds each year, as the facility is made available at little or no cost, and relies on the silent auction and penny sale to raise funds and draw the community in.

“All of our proceeds from this goes right back into the community,” Klune said.

The event is already booked for May 29 next year, though Klune said the club may consider shifting to June in hopes of warmer weather.

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