It’s official: Golden, Colorado has gone to the dogs! To the golden retrievers, to be precise.
National Golden Retriever Day is celebrated every year on February 3. In honor of that event, the city of Golden holds a celebration of the breed on the Saturday closest to that date to celebrate a breed that’s adored by most Americans. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), golden retrievers have been in the top 3 favorite breeds in the United States for over a decade, and their popularity isn’t slowing down anytime soon!
In 2023, Goldens in Golden was held on February 4. Several blocks of Washington Avenue were shut down to through traffic so that thousands of well-behaved golden retrievers and their humans could mix and mingle with fellow Goldens (or whatever the residents of Golden refer to themselves as).
The event kicked off the event with a parade down Washington Avenue and a group photo under the iconic “Welcome to Golden” arch.
All day long, attendees enjoyed pet vendors, meet and greets, free pup cups, and photo opportunities. Nonprofits like the Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies, Morris Animal Foundation, and Foothills Animal Shelter were also representing with booths and animal ambassadors.
Megan Pinson of Visit Golden says the city of Golden is the perfect place for this event, and not just because of their name.
“Golden Retrievers and Golden, Colorado really complement one another!” Megan stated. “Goldens love our hiking trails and walking paths and enjoy socializing in our dog-friendly beer gardens and patios. After the Goldens in Golden event, we encourage people and their pups to enjoy a Golden day together, and of course, come back throughout the year to enjoy all Golden offers.”
The city offers a full schedule of events and links to pet-friendly lodging nearby on their website. In 2024, National Golden Retriever Day falls on a Saturday, so the celebration will be even more off the walls! (Leash?)
This looks like such a fun way to mix and mingle with new people and their adorable dogs! We’re marking our calendars for next year.
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