On the scenic hills by the Masonic Homes in Union City, locals will gather with their dogs for a day of walking and family fun. On Saturday, Sept. 20, Union City will host its annual Mutt Strut, an event where participants walk their dogs along the hills to fundraise for students at the New Haven Unified School District.
The event will begin at 8am with attendees gathering for breakfast, as music from DJ Bennett plays in the background. At 9am, Union City Mayor Gary Singh will officially open the Mutt Strut, and by 10am, the festivities, including contests and entertainment, will be in full swing.
Throughout the morning, attendees can take photos with themed backdrops, enjoy friendly competitions for both owners and their dogs, including a playground pet trick contest, and earn prizes. As people make their way along the hillside, they will have the chance to see views overlooking the bay.
Vendors such as Kona Ice will be there, serving treats to families, as well as local businesses and service organizations hosting booths. “We have dignitaries and sponsors showing up, but we also have your regular mom-and-pop businesses that are going to be there. Everyone’s pitching in to make it a great event,” says Arthur Barinque, who has planned the Mutt Strut.
This year, the Mutt Strut will feature a dog yoga session (which will be led by Hungry Tailz Rescue), Boswick the Clown and a dog costume contest, which Barinque thinks attendees will look forward to seeing the most.
The event is more than just fun—proceeds of the Mutt Strut are given back to students and teachers in the district through the New Haven Schools Foundation. In the past, funds have gone toward scholarships for graduating high school seniors and classroom grants for teachers, which provide students with technology, supplies and opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities.
I think the spirit of the Mutt Strut is really community coming together and spending the day with the people they love and their companions.
Arthur Barinque
This year’s proceeds will continue the mission of supporting local education. Students, teachers and administrators from the New Haven School District will also be on hand to volunteer and participate in activities.
For many, the Mutt Strut is a chance to learn more about local organizations and interact with peers and friends. Barinque says, “I think the spirit of the Mutt Strut is really community coming together and spending the day with the people they love and their companions.” With laughter, music and plenty of wagging tails, this year’s Mutt Strut promises to bring the Union City community closer together.
Mutt Strut 2025
Saturday, Sept. 20
8am – 12pm
Masonic Homes
3440 Mission Blvd., Union City
NHSFoundation.org
$40 individual; $60 family
