It was a day for the dogs in Omokoroa on Saturday. Held at the Sportsground Reserve in Western Avenue, the Doggy Day Out run by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council draw a large crowd from around the Bay of Plenty.

The Doggy Day Out event, now in its fifth year, saw the sportsground turned from a sports field into a dog festival. The theme for the day was ‘Doggywood', with family pooches dressed up as famous Hollywood stars for the ‘Star of the Day' competition.

The day's fun events was packed with entertainment and things to learn for both dogs and owners, including performances from the Tauranga and Mount Maunganui agility clubs, training demonstrations, market stalls and food, competitions, bouncy castles, face painting and other activities for children.

A dog-only paddling pool helped dogs cool off during the scorching hot day, with many sheltering in the shade from the sun. The temperature, forecast for a high of 31 degrees didn't disappoint.

Alfie, the Western Bay of Plenty District Council's office ‘spokesdog' was looking snazzy and happily enjoyed the shade in the photobooth enjoying being read to.

Microchipping was available on the day, as well as dog registration services.

Sophie Goodspeed (6), Hamish the miniature schnauzer (10), Lily Goodspeed (8), and Callum Goodspeed (4 at back)

Winners of the Doggywood competition are, in first place, Calleigh Wathey-Boot (age 9) with Taylor dressed as the Wizard of Oz witch; and Caroline Butler with Sasha dressed as ballerina from the Black Swan in second place. Sasha is a Hunterway Border Collie Cross. Third place went to Natasha Hoogstraten with her dog Jade dressed as Bob Marley.

Upcoming dog events include a Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council shared dog walk event at Waipuna Park in Kaitemako Rd, Welcome Bay at 10am on Saturday March 2, and the popular Waihi Beach Dog Walk at Anzac Bay, Seaforth Rd, Waihi Beach on Saturday March 16 starting at 10am.

Winners of the Doggywood competition are Calleigh Wathey-Boot (age 9) with Taylor dressed as the Wizard of Oz witch (first place), Caroline Butler with Sasha dressed as ballerina from the Black Swan (second) Sasha is a Hunterway Border Collie Cross. Third place went to Natasha Hoogstraten with her dog Jade dressed as Bob Marley.

'The Dog Walks provide a great opportunity to meet new people, stretch yours and your pooches legs and get out and about in our beautiful district!” writes Carolyn Berben from WBOPDC on their Council website. 'The walks are free, anyone is welcome to join!”

Alfie Hall with Betty Hall from WBOPDC

Alison Curtis and Peter Hrstich from WBOPDC

Alfie being read to in the photobooth

Shirley Jukes with Toby a miniature poodle, and Gloria Mackenzie with Zena a Maltese ShihTzu poodle cross.

Ruth Woodward with Lena a golden retriever

Western Bay of Plenty District Council Mayor Garry Webber and his wife Carole at the Doggy Day Out in Omokoroa