Canines and community: Sandy celebrates second Yappy Hour despite downpour
Published 5:00 am Friday, May 16, 2025
Pups of all ages, sizes and breeds came out in the rain to enjoy Yappy Hour on May 15. (Staff Photo: Brit Allen)
Mayor Kathleen Walker and her pup Cedar greet attendees of the Yappy Hour event. (Staff Photo: Brit Allen)
Councilor Chris Mayton was among the crowd who brought their pups out to Yappy Hour on May 15. (Staff Photo: Brit Allen)
Many people enjoyed getting pics with their pups in the photo booth at Yappy Hour. (Staff Photo: Brit Allen)
Sandy Transit Director Andi Howell (right) and members of her human and four-legged family came out to Yappy Hour to represent SAM and enjoy the festivities. (Staff Photo: Brit Allen)
Dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds gobbled up handmade treats from Nya's Bakery. (Staff Photo: Brit Allen)
People and dogs alike donned their rain jackets and braved the weather to enjoy Sandy’s second Yappy Hour on Thursday evening.
The event billed as Longest Day Parkway, but for dogs, went off without a hitch despite the consistent rain, with 19 vendors offering goodies and activities throughout Sandy Bluff Park.
City staff estimated that more than 100 people (and their four-legged family members) still came out for the festivities.
“I think it went well,” said Recreation Manager John Wallace. “I feel like we still had a good showing, which really isn’t that surprising because we’re Oregonians and it’s May and we know what happens.”
Among the many who came out to the event were several out-of-towners, including families from as far as Southeast Portland and Mulino.
While city staff handed out handmade dog treats from Nya’s Bakery for the dogs, Bill Schwartz of Boring Brewing sold beer, cider, hot dogs and tamales for the humans attending.
Activities provided included a photo booth, an obstacle course and much more. Vendors who attended included Fern Hill Veterinary Care, Best Friend Bioscience, The Pampered Pet Lodge, Geren’s Farm and Landscape Supply, Mt. Hood Pet Resort, DogTown Gresham, Chasin’ Tail Dog Designs, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Embold Credit Union, Green Acres Canine Resort and Farms, and several others.
“People that were here seemed happy and we received lots of good feedback, just like last year,” Wallace added. “I think it’s definitely turning into an event that we will continue to do year after year. I think it’s going to become a pretty happy Sandy staple.”
