Bring your dog for a fun walk through the Elkhart Environmental Center! Costumes are encourage - you could even win a prize!
What's Happening at the Event:
September 27, 2026 from 11 AM - 3 PM
at the Elkhart Environmental Center
Free Admission (donations encouraged!)
Waggin' in the Woods is a free, family- and dog-friendly event that celebrates humans' best friend! This annual fall event features a TON of fun activities, including a pooch parade (costumes encouraged), dog-friendly vendors, and so much more! Bring your fluffy friend and enjoy!
This event is presented by Tracking in the Shadows and the Elkhart Environmental Center. While the event is free, donations are welcome! All donations go to Tracking in the Shadows to support the great work they do in the community.
For details about the event and a list of suggested donations, check out the info below:
What's Happening at the Event:
Keep your pet safe: get them microchipped! This is a quick, affordable way to make sure that, if your best pal ever takes off, someone can help them find their way home!
Stay tuned for 2026's vendor list! Get a sneak peak by checking out the event's Facebook page.
If you have some dog-friendly wares to sell, we would love to have you at the event! Complete a vendor form here or reach out to EEC staff at 574-293-5070 or email EECmail@coei.org.
Check back for details about this year's food vendor!
Let your dog off the leash a little! Enjoy a fenced-in area with agility equipment for your dog to explore. You might discover some hidden talents!
It's as cute as it sounds! Roll around with some puppies and let the stress melt away.
Nail Trims and Temporary Doggie Dyes
Spruce your pooch! Let the experts clip those claws and/or add some color to your best friend!
Check out prizes donated by local vendors and organizations - this area is a gold mine for neat finds! Attendees get a raffle ticket for showing up, another one for donating, and you can purchase additional raffle tickets to up your chances!
Tracking in the Shadows is a local dog rescue group run by volunteers who do amazing work in the community. Donations help support them and the dogs they're help. Suggested donations include:
- High-quality dog food
- Pet beds
- Pet toys
- Food/Water dishes
- Leashes
- Collars
- Crates
- Treats
- Pet store gift cards
- Cash
Check out their supply wish list for most-needed items here.
Volunteer
Volunteers help with setup, cleanup, and/or event shifts such as our parking, manning the EEC booth, shuttling visitors to/from the event, and more. Bring friends and family with you!
If you would like to help us have a PAW-some event, please email EECmail@coei.org or call 574-293-5070.
Can't help out the day-of? Tracking in the Shadows and the Elkhart Environmental Center always have volunteer opportunities. Feel free to reach out for other options!
Sponsor
Support this free, family- and dog-friendly event that celebrates (and helps fundraise) a wonderful local rescue group, Tracking in the Shadows, as well as highlight the lovely Elkhart Environmental Center--to mention it celebrates our favorite pups! The event includes a ton of fun activities and resources for owners and their pets, as well as adoptable pets from local resources! Support and sponsorships from community organizations takes this event to the next level!
Please call 574-293-5070 or email EECmail@coei.org for details about our sponsorship opportunities.
Contact Us
Elkhart Environmental Center
1717 E Lusher Ave, Elkhart, IN 46516
Phone: 574-293-5070
E-mail: EECmail@coei.org
Staff Hours: Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
Trail/Grounds Hours: Dawn - Dusk Every Day