Dogs of Summer Pet Pageant returns Aug. 29 to raise funds for Habersham shelter

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The cutthroat world of canine couture returns to Habersham County when the third annual Dogs of Summer Pet Pageant takes over Aerial Mountain Springs from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29.

Organized by The Cute North Georgian Magazine, the pet pageant and fundraiser benefits Habersham County Animal Care and Control. The event combines local food, friendly competition and community fun in support of animals in need.

Aerial Mountain Springs is located at 106 Ben T. Huiet Highway between Clarkesville and Helen. The lakeside venue features indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, a garden and sprawling grounds.

Local food, drinks and summer fun

Guests won’t have to survive on puppy-dog eyes alone.

Hangry’s will serve food, while Mr. Biscuit’s Cafe will offer loaded teas and boba. Aerial Mountain Springs will host pick-your-own bouquets from its garden, and Aerial Mist Social will have beer and wine available.

The evening will also feature vendors, lawn games and a silent auction benefiting Habersham County Animal Care and Control.

The high-stakes world of pet pageantry

The pet pageant remains the centerpiece of Dogs of Summer, where contestants arrive dressed to impress and seemingly innocent family pets discover competitive ambitions their owners never knew existed.

The event has already produced its share of local legends.

At the inaugural pageant in 2024, Farrah Pawsette arrived in pearls and won Most Talented, while Charlie McCurry claimed the dubious honor of Ugliest Dog. Maggie Mae the Poodle attended as a local canine celebrity, and Bear was crowned Mr. Dog of Summer.

Maggie Mae returned in 2025 with bigger ambitions and walked away as Mrs. Dog of Summer.

Last year’s competition also featured Harvey, then the longest-term resident of the Habersham County Animal Shelter. After spending more than two years waiting for a home, Harvey traded his kennel for the runway and won Best Costume while wearing a lion’s mane.

Other 2025 winners included Ollie and Mylo for Most Dapper, Arlo Tilley in the swimsuit category, Honeybee for Most Talented and Taurus as Host’s Favorite.

Fun with a purpose

Behind the costumes, crowns and good-natured competition is the reason Dogs of Summer exists.

The first event brought adoptable shelter animals into the community and ended with longtime shelter resident Bindi leaving with her new family. In 2025, Dogs of Summer raised $600 for the shelter as it continued operating beyond capacity and prepared for its new facility.

The fundraiser also gives local businesses, volunteers and residents a way to contribute through food, auction items, entertainment and other services. Organizers are still seeking donations for gift baskets, including gift cards, baked goods and candles (whatever you
can contribute).

Now entering its third year, Dogs of Summer returns with the same goal: to have a ridiculously good time while doing genuine good for animals in need. Families are encouraged to bring their pets, cheer on the contestants, shop from local vendors and help raise money for Habersham County Animal Care and Control.

Look for more details in the events section of The Cute North Georgian Magazine Facebook page.