Highland Park Debuts the Dog Days of Summer

 Downtown Highland Park will kick off the Dog Days of Summer with a special  Debut event on Saturday, June 29 from 1 pm to 3 pm to welcome the “The Big Dog Show” to its central business district. Fourteen, 8 foot high by 10 foot long cor-ten steel “American Dog” sculptures will call the front lawn of City Hall their home throughout the month of July. The public is invited to attend The Big Dog Show Debut outside of City Hall in Downtown Highland Park (1707 St. Johns Ave) and meet the award-winning artist of the “Big Dogs”, Dale Rogers, who will be on-hand at 1:30 pm to discuss the inspiration behind his unique outdoor art exhibition.

The “Big Dogs” will not be the only canines present at the Debut! In an effort to raise awareness about the systematic animal cruelty in puppy mills, The Puppy Mill Project along with several local rescues including: Adopt a Bull, As Good As Gold, Chicago Lab Rescue, Midwest Labrador Retriever Rescue, Orphans of the Storm, Second Hand Snoots and Tails of Hope will all be on-site with adoptable dogs. Joining them will be Cari Meyers, Founder of The Puppy Mill Project, who will talk about the importance of community in promoting humane animal treatment. 

“The Downtown Highland Park Alliance is thrilled to be fusing this one-of-a-kind outdoor art exhibition with such a worthwhile cause,” said Jessica Weglarz, Executive Director of the Downtown Highland Park Alliance. “The residents of Highland Park are constantly demonstrating their passion around local issues and we are pleased to present them with a fun community event to celebrate art and advocate kind animal treatment.”

From June 28 to July 26, North Shore natives and visitors will delight in visiting the “Big Dogs” at numerous locations throughout the Downtown Highland Park area including, Port Clinton Square, Renaissance Place, up and down Central Avenue and in front of City Hall.

While exploring the outdoor exhibit of “Man’s Best Friend” families are encouraged to “sit” and “stay” in Downtown Highland Park as local retailers and restaurants offer specials and host dog-centric events and contests in honor of the Big Dogs. Visit: www.downtownhp.com to discover all of the opportunities for fun the Big Dogs have in-store for the entire month! All events will feature free admission and free parking for visitors.

About

The Downtown Highland Park Alliance is a public-private partnership of the Highland Park CBD Property Owners Association, the City of Highland Park and the Highland Park Chamber of Commerce. The Alliance was founded in 2008 to enhance the economic vitality of Downtown Highland Park. The operations and promotions of the Alliance are funded by a Special Service Area commercial property tax currently authorized through 2013.

Artist Dale Rogers has been working as a full time metal sculptor for over 10 years. His work is originally designed, laser cut, TIG welded and hand finished into large scale 3-dimensional sculptures that combine his love for abstract geometrics with organic lines and a figurative appeal. Because everyone gains from art, Dale wanted to design a large scale exhibit for the public that could tour around the country – The Big Dog Show was successfully born from this dream.