A full day of service, sunshine, and community spirit!
On Sunday, August 3, 2025, Encinitas Community Park went to the dogs—in the best possible way—as hundreds of people and their pups gathered for the 20th Annual Cardiff Dog Days of Summer, hosted by Cardiff 101 Main Street and the City of Encinitas. And while the canines may have stolen the spotlight, it was the volunteers from Coastal Encinitas Rotary (CER) who helped keep the event running smoothly behind the scenes.
As a corporate partner of Cardiff 101 Main Street, CER proudly supports community events not only with funding, but with hard work, teamwork, and boots on the ground. From early morning vendor load-in to late afternoon cleanup, Rotary members were checking in vendors, hauling gear, setting up tents, supporting the VIP lounge and libation area, and stepping in wherever needed to help the event shine.
“We weren’t just attending—we were part of the engine that made it all work,” said Club President Ralph Hirschmann, who volunteered alongside fellow members from setup through cleanup. “There’s nothing quite like seeing so many people (and dogs!) come together for something joyful and knowing we helped make it happen.”
This year’s Dog Days event featured dozens of pet-focused vendors, rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies, plus a dog ice cream eating contest, live music, and a lure course by Swift Paws. Demonstrations from the San Diego Fire Department and a popular lineup of food trucks and a libation lounge kept the day lively and engaging.
In the lounge, Rotary volunteers supported guests and vendors from crowd-favorite partners like The Lost Abbey, Mezo Agave, Gold Coast Mead, Burtech Family Vineyard, and Local Roots—proving that community service can absolutely be paired with community celebration.
“Not all of our volunteers are pictured,” one member noted with a smile, “but we showed up strong—and sweaty! It was a big effort, and a fun one.”
Pres Ralph with Art & Marilyn serve at the VIP area.
Rotary’s presence at Dog Days reflects its larger mission: being of service wherever and whenever needed—whether it’s organizing major fundraisers, supporting local youth, or hauling tables under the summer sun to make a beloved event shine.
Coastal Encinitas Rotary meets Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. at Cicciotti’s in Cardiff. Come have lunch with us and see what we’re all about. You can learn more about our club and service at www.encinitascoastalrotary.org
Cardiff 101 Mainstreet board member Greg Lang with Vembra and Jan at the Libation Lounge
