By MEGGAN FINK,
Pillars of Elkhart

ELKHART — As those ‘dog days of summer’ approach, the Pillars of Elkhart are helping the community survive the heat and reality of back-to-school with an evening of live music, food and family and pet friendly fun.

Pillars of Elkhart are hosting the fifth Annual ‘Dog Daze of Summer’ from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, in Central Park Downtown Elkhart. Dog Daze will feature live music from local rock and blues band, High Gravity, as well as local superstar country singer-songwriter, Zach DuBois. Well-known Elkhart-raised artist, Zach DuBois, will perform on stage some of his crowd favorites such as “Back Home Again (Indiana),” “Southern Belle,” “Beer for Breakfast” and more.

The event is open to ‘man and his best friend’ with $5 admission gaining access to music, local vendors and 21+ beer garden. Guests are encouraged to bring their dogs as long as they are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations and other shots and on a leash. Pools of water will be provided for your furry friends to cool down in.

Vendors offering food for sale during the event include Kona Ice, Hotdogeddy’s, Javis Taco Truck and Weiner Shack. Pet-related vendors include Second Chance Small Dog Rescue, Career Center Vet Assistant Program, Elkhart Police Department Animal Control, Animal Care Clinic North, Planet Canine and more. Vendors will offer kid-friendly activities such as face painting and dog/pet demos.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will support Second Chance Small Dog Rescue, a local volunteer-managed nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of small dogs in suitable “forever” homes.

‘Dog Daze of Summer’ is made possible by several generous Pillars sponsors: Welch Packaging Group, Kem Krest Corporation, Animal Care Clinic North and Himco.