By ESTHER K. SMITH
News staff writer

The waterfront was alive with sails, kites, kids, dogs and smiling faces Sunday when three events came together on a sunny, windy day: Windfest, Dog Day Afternoon and the official opening and dedication of the play area at Waterfront Park.

The Hukari Animal Shelter Adopt-A-Dog program’s Dog Day Afternoon started off at noon with about 200 walkers and 100 dogs parading from downtown Hood River to the park, where dog lovers and their dogs took part in a talent show (won by Bear, a leaping poodle, and Korey Cimock) and a costume contest (won by “extreme Chihuahua” Sadie and her human, Susie Ratliff).

Raffles, an “easy breezy” dog obstacle course and other dog-themed activities — including a hot dog fundraiser for the Waterfront Park Association — kept people busy until 2 p.m., when former Governor Barbara Roberts cut the ribbon at the dedication of the play area, one of Oregon’s five sesquicentennial Youth Legacy Parks.

As one of Oregon 150’s signature projects, the playground is geared toward reconnecting kids with nature; and helping get children “out of the house and into the outdoors.”

The event also marked the opening of a welcome feature at the park: the “net-zero” solar-powered public restrooms.

The day’s events at the park were sponsored by Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital.