Congenial canines who could be the latest cheerleaders for downtown Macon will get to party during the height of the Dog Days of Summer.
NewTown Macon’s award-winning Main Street Board is calling all dogs to join the Hype Hounds team and head to this week’s First Friday which includes a Pup Cup Crawl to dog-friendly businesses.
Decked out in orange bandanas, the Hype Hounds squad of dog influencers agree to promote downtown on social media at least twice a month and attend special events.
Now through Aug. 15, dog lovers who frequent downtown can apply for a Hype Hounds position on NewTown’s website. The application requests a sample social media post and those selected must pledge to keep a “pawsitive” attitude about downtown when posting.
The program is a logical companion for the Hype Team of human ambassadors organized in 2021 to serve as a walking welcome wagon to promote downtown and celebrate its revitalization.
“They are the driving force behind the excitement and positive buzz that you feel when you step foot in our historic district,” explains NewTown’s website.
The ambassador program, which is being replicated across the county with credit to NewTown, was one of the factors that earned Macon the 2024 Great American Main Street Award.
The 60-member Hype Team aims to reshape the perception of downtown and foster excitement about its renewed vibrancy, and dogs can also get in on the action.
Dogs chosen for this year’s team will be required to attend the Launch “Pawty” orientation Sept. 12 from 5:30-7:30 at Fall Line Freeway where they will pick up their materials.
Downtown businesses now can join in the fun by registering to be a Hype Hounds Approved establishment.
For a $25 annual fee, NewTown will promote those dog-friendly locations on its website and social media, provide a “Hype Hounds Approved!” sticker or window cling for businesses that allow dogs inside. Participating restaurants with patios and sidewalk cafes will receive ground decals denoting dogs are welcome.
Dog Days run from July 3 – Aug. 11, traditionally the hottest weeks of the year, so the Pup Cup Crawl during the August First Friday will offer special treats for dogs between 5-8 p.m.
Bear’s Books at 835 Forsyth St. will have dog treats, while Longleaf Distillery at 664 Second St. offers frozen Greek yogurt and fruit treats for their four-legged customers.
The Puppery LLC at 453 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., which is co-sponsoring the crawl with NewTown and Downtown Macon, will set up a “puppachino” bar featuring dog-safe sprinkles and other tiny treats to adorn the pup cup.
Passports for the Pup Cup Crawl can be picked up at the Family Fun Zone that returns to Mulberry Street Park from 5-7 p.m. as part of Friday’s festivities.
— Civic Journalism Senior Fellow Liz Fabian covers Macon-Bibb County government entities and can be reached at [email protected] or 478-301-2976.
