Time to admire painted pooches in downtown Antioch

Without a doubt, these are the prettiest, poised and perfectly behaved pooches you'll ever see. And quiet, too.

Over 40 brightly painted and creatively decorated fiberglass dogs will line the streets of downtown Antioch all summer.

In the tradition of Chicago's Cows on Parade, The Dogs on the Chain is the village's first public art project.

"This is the kind of event that puts a smile on your face," said Antioch Chamber of Commerce Director Barbara Porch. "It's fun for the community and gives merchants a chance to showcase their businesses."

A series of events, featuring contests and the chance to win prizes, starts Saturday, May 15, and runs through the summer, Porch said.

Sponsors have paid $500 for each dog and local artists, both professional and amateur, were commissioned to decorate the dogs. The program ends in September, when the canines will be auctioned off with the funds going to local charities.

The fun starts tomorrow when the dogs go on display downtown. An official Dog Walk Map can be obtained from the Chamber foyer at 882 Main St. The foyer is open around the clock.

You can "Rate the Rovers, during the month of June. Take a look at the dogs and pick your favorite. Forms are downloadable at antiochchamber.org.

July features the "Sniff and Search" scavenger hunt. Entries turned into the Chamber office are eligible for prizes.

Don't miss the "Dog-O-Lympics" contest in August. Match the dogs with their doggy sport. The answers are with each dog.

The summer-long program ends with a buffet dinner and live auction on Sept. 11. Advance ticket purchases include a chance to win one of the designed dogs.

Funds raised from the auction will benefit the Open Arms Mission, Save-A-Pet, and Antioch Community High School's scholarship program, Porch said.

For more details, call (847) 395-2233 or visit antiochchamber.org.