Wheaton's reindog contest gives dogs chance to shine

Reindeer are getting all the attention these days, but there's always a place for dogs in the traditions of Christmas.

That place is the Martin Memorial Plaza in downtown Wheaton, near the corner of Front and Main streets.

At 11 a.m. Saturday, dogs and their owners will gather there in hopes that St. Nicholas, aka Santa, will confer upon them the honor of winning the second annual Santa's Reindog Contest.

"We did it the first time last year," said Paula Barrington, executive director of the Downtown Wheaton Association, the merchants group presenting the event. "It's very informal. Santa serves as judge."

Santa has visiting hours in the Santa House on the plaza from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 19.

He'll take a break from visiting with children this Saturday to evaluate each dog's potential as a "reindog" before announcing the winners.

Last year, Barrington said, dogs appeared in capes and antlers. One showed up dressed as an elf.

Then there was the trio of chocolate-colored Newfoundlands. One of the canine world's largest dog breeds, often weighing in at upward of 120 pounds, Santa could likely envision them having the heft to pull his sleigh, though they'd probably look more like bears than reindeer doing it.

Barrington said the three gentle giants, each wearing a collar outfitted with oversized jingle bells, were part of a group of canines that also participated in the city's Nov. 27 Christmas parade this year. The three took third place in last year's contest.

A black dog sporting a festive Christmas sweater took first place, while second place went to a small white dog in reindeer antlers, Barrington said.

A variety of dog breeds, from Chihuahuas to Labradors, compete in the contest, Barrington said.

"Last year, we had about 25 entries," she said.

Unlike the formal dog shows with their stringent rules and guidelines, this dog contest is playful and relaxed.

"We're just judging them on holiday spirit," Barrington said.

Prizes will be awarded to the three top dogs and their owners. Each winning dog will receive a play toy appropriate to size, Barrington said. Winning owners will receive Downtown Wheaton Association gift cards that can be redeemed at select downtown businesses. The first place prize is a $100 card; the second place prize is a $75 card; and a $50 gift card will be awarded to the third-place winner, she said.

"It gets people out. It's different," said Barrington. "It's a lot of fun."

If you go

What: Santa's Reindog Contest

Where: Martin Memorial Plaza, Front and Main streets, Wheaton

When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12

Cost: Free

Info: www.downtownwheaton.com or (630) 682-0633