🐾 Programming, Contests & Santa Paws Photos

🎄 Get Ready for Holiday Paws Downtown Block Pawty

Sunday, December 7 • 12–4 PM
📍 Westminster St + Aborn St, Downtown Providence
A portion of proceeds supports the Providence Animal Rescue League (PARL).

🕒 Schedule of Events

All-Day Fun (12:00–4:00 PM)

• 🛍️ The Bark Market – Local makers & pet-friendly vendors along Westminster + Aborn Streets.

• 🎧 Holiday Music & Performances – Festive Holiday Hits and special performances throughout the afternoon.

• ☕ People & Paws Warming Stations – Warm, little nooks to thaw those paws and hands.

• 🎟️ Raffles & Prizes – Win local gifts while supporting PARL’s lifesaving work.

• 🍺Tail Wag Tavern (21+) – A cozy, heated tent and patio space featuring a festive cash bar — where guests can sip, socialize, and celebrate with their pups.

• 🎅 Santa Paws Photo Booth - Presented by Pooch Pawsitive — Strike a festive pose with Santa Paws!
  📸 $20 per photo – $5 benefits PARL - Limited to 50 spots. Pre-register online or sign up on-site.

• 🐕 Community Pet Resource Booths – Meet PARL and local rescues; learn how to adopt or volunteer.

• 🦴 Pup Comfort Stations – Water bowls, waste bags, and relief areas.

⏰ Scheduled Programming

12:00 PM – Event Kickoff
Grab a drink, stroll the Bark Market, and register for contests by 1:15 PM.

_____________________________________________________________________

12:20 PM – Welcome Remarks + Emcee Introduction
Celebrate the afternoon with our special guest emcee, Mario Hilario from NBC10, and get ready for a paw-some day!

_____________________________________________________________________

12:30 PM – Sit, Stay, Slay! Mini Training Demo
Quick training tips using positive-reinforcement techniques

_____________________________________________________________________

1:00 PM – Best Trick Blitz
The top 10 pre-selected finalists show off their best tricks! (Free contest.)

_____________________________________________________________________

1:15 PM – Shake Paw Showdown
Ten adorable pups compete for the cutest pawshake or high-five. (Free contest.)

_____________________________________________________________________

1:30 PM – Howl-iday Costume Contest & Runway Show
The main event!
🎁 $15 entry – $5 benefits PARL
First 30–35 registrants (12–1:15 PM at Info Tent).
🏆 Categories include:
Best Holiday Look · Best Human + Pup Duo · Funniest Sweater · Most Festive Group · Tiny but Mighty · Winter Wonderland Wow

_____________________________________________________________________

2:30 PM – Ho-Ho-Howl! Holiday Howling Contest
Dogs “sing” along to holiday songs in this hilarious competition.
(Free entry – finalists chosen from online submissions.)

_____________________________________________________________________

3:00 PM – Pup Cup Eating Contest

Sponsored by Ellie’s Bakery
Three rounds by size: small, medium, and large breeds. Free to enter on-site; 30 total participants.

_____________________________________________________________________

3:30 PM – Raffle & Final Photo Call
Raffle winners announced; last chance for Santa Paws photos!

_____________________________________________________________________

4:00 PM – Event Wrap-Up
Thank you for supporting PARL and our downtown community!

_____________________________________________________________________

Live Performances by special guests and local groups will happen throughout the afternoon. Artists names and set/performance times will be posted soon.

On-stage performances will occur at 12:45pm 2:15pm and 3:15pm.