‘Paw-some’ event program will keep tails wagging for festival

TOOWOOMBA’S Carnival of Flowers has kicked off with a bang, and Petals and Pups has now released its dogfriendly program.

Dogs have been part of the annual event since its very first parade in 1950, when Toowoomba Thistle Band’s drum major, Mr Hugh Morgan’s tartan-clad dog Puppy marched alongside the ensemble.

A bronze statue now commemorates the sweet pooch at the Picnic Point parklands.

More than 20 dog-friendly activities have been listed in the program, alongside 27 offleash parks, dog-friendly cafes, restaurants and accommodation venues.

Cultured canines will enjoy a weekend of exploring Toowoomba’s street art, followed by a trip to Picnic Point, where pet lovers are encouraged to take a selfie with Puppy’s famous bronze statue.

Followed by a long lunch, pet owners and their pooches will then spend the afternoon at the off-leash play area in Queens Park.

For the pup that enjoys a pamper session, grabbing a puppyccino from one of the many pet-friendly cafes, before heading to the doggie day spa for a signature cut and blow dry is a must.

Wrap up a fun day out with some dog-friendly luxe shopping, before taking in the surroundings at Laurel Bank Park.

Adventure chasers will enjoy a hearty breakfast, bushland and run through Garnett Lehman Park, before free-ranging at Dr Alex Horn Park and watching the sunset.

The month-long event runs until September 30.

To view the full program, see dog-friendly accommodation options or purchase tickets, visit tcof.com.au.