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BoardWaddle

FRIDAY, APRIL 11th & SATURDAY, APRIL 12th

The BoardWaddle is the largest annual fundraiser for Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue (TSBHR) held over Friday and Saturday in and around Ocean City, NJ. Events open with the Basset Hound Olympics on Friday afternoon, followed by a fabulous country club buffet dinner and “Pawction” in the evening at the Linwood Country Club. Then Saturday is the big day! Ocean City’s Doo Dah Parade kicks off at noon. TSBHR has the largest brigade in the parade, consisting of you and all of your hounds! What a sight to see…hundreds of hounds strutting down the streets and boardwalk! After the parade we have a Picnic with food, vendors, games and awards. Join us for a weekend of fun on April 11th and 12th!

Click HERE to download the BoardWaddle 2025 Packet!

 

GRAND MARSHAL | ORDER YOUR SHIRTS | MAKE YOUR PLEDGES

PAWCTION TICKETS | SENIOR EXPRESS | EVENTS TIMELINE

PARADE ROUTE | HELPFUL INFO | FAQ’s

CONGRATS TO MURDOCH – OUR 1st BASSET-MIX GRAND MARSHAL

Ron and Michele Miller, longtime supporters of Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue, have adopted four dogs from our organization over the years. Their most recent addition, Murdoch, came to us in 2024. He was rescued by a local shelter in Pennsylvania after animal control was called to a home with over 90 dogs, 1 turtle and a dead pig living in deplorable conditions. Murdoch was quickly transferred to rescue where the long road of nursing him back to health began. Murdoch had multiple health issues, some a mystery. After his health crashed several times Doctor’s finally got to the bottom of what was making Murdoch ill. Thanks to devoted veterinarians and the Millers’ loving support, he eventually began to thrive.

In addition to Murdoch, the Millers have two other rescue hounds. Panda was a special rescue from China, where he was saved from the meat trade. George, who was surrendered by his former owner, faced behavioral challenges that took patience and dedication to overcome. With their experience and compassion, Ron and Michele provided Murdoch with the care he needed, transforming him into the happy, cherished family member he is today. Murdoch has also received therapy dog status and now gives back to the community that saved him.

Our deepest gratitude goes to Ron, Michele, Panda, George, and Murdoch for all they have done for Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue and the dogs in need. Please join us this spring as we honor our exceptional Grand Marshall, Murdoch, at the 38th Annual Ocean City Doo Dah Parade. Let’s come together to celebrate the resilience and love of this wonderful breed. Congratulations to Murdoch, our 2025 BoardWaddle Grand Marshall—we cannot wait to see you all in April!

ORDER BOARDWADDLE SHIRTS

Waddle shirts are a must-have, and this year’s design is beach blanket bingo fabulous! Featuring our 2025 Grand Marshal, MURDOCH, this design was created by our friend, Pino Espudo, founder/owner of éSpūdö Enterprises.

  • Shirts come in three styles (short sleeve tee, long sleeve tee and zip up hooded sweatshirt) and two colors (black and heather orange) and we have a handful of youth short sleeve tees too.
  • Popular sizes sell out quickly! Click HERE to access our online shop.
  • Shirts will start shipping in mid-February.
  • Online shirt sales end on April 4th. After this date you can only purchase shirts in-person during BoardWaddle weekend at the Basset Hound Olympics, at Parade Registration or the at Picnic.

Click HERE to access our online shop! 

MAKE YOUR BOARDWADDLE PLEDGES

Start collecting your BoardWaddle pledges NOW! Share this link with friends and family: https://rebrand.ly/BoardWaddle.

Be sure to tell them to enter your name (or your dog’s name) so the pledge gets credit to YOUR FUNDRAISING TOTAL! You can also turn in your pledges in-person at the Parade Registration (cash, check, credit card and Venmo accepted).



PAWCTION DINNER

When: Friday, April 11th – 5:00pm is the cocktail hour and buffet dinner is served at 6:00pm

Where: Linwood Country Club | 500 Shore Road, Linwood, NJ

Cost: $42 per person – BUY TICKETS HERE!

The Pawction includes one of a kind Basset-themed items that you bid on from a professional auctioneer. There is also a silent auction, raffle table, prize give aways and more! Casual dress and there is a cash bar available. Online ticket sales end on April 8th. Tickets are not available at the door; buy tickets HERE. Casual attire. Cash bar. Note: Dogs are not permitted at this venue.

Buffet dinner menu will be posted here when available from the venue. If you have any dietary restrictions, please email boardwaddle@tristatebassets.org.

SENIOR EXPRESS

Do you have a Senior dog who cannot walk the entire 1.68 mile parade route? Hitch a ride on the Senior Express! For just a $25 donation you can ride with your hound for the entire parade (ONE human per hound). 

Spots are VERY limited; purchase a spot HERE.

If you don’t get a spot on the Senior Express, here are some suggestions on how to participate in the parade with an older hound:

  • Pull/push them in your own wagon or stroller.
  • Walk in the parade for a short distance and then hitch a ride on the “Pooped Pup” Truck. This is a designated pick up truck and trailer that is at the very end of the Parade.
  • Hang out at registration and then once the Parade starts, drive down to the Picnic grounds to wait for the rest of the waddlers (football field next to the OC Recreation Dept at E. 6th Street and Boardwalk).

EVENTS TIMELINE

FRIDAY, APRIL 11th

Basset Hound Olympics

  • When: Registration starts at 11:00am and the games begin at 12:00pm
  • Where: Ocean City Tabernacle grounds (corner of E. 6th Street and Asbury Avenue)
  • Events: 10-meter sprint, 15-meter hurdles, high jump (set to 6″ to start) and obstacle course
  • Gold, silver, bronze medals for the winners
  • No pre-registration required
  • No admission fee and plenty of free parking
  • Only Basset Hounds and Basset Hound Mixes are allowed to compete
  • Purchase BoardWaddle 2025 t-shirts and hoodies
  • Soft pretzels/water available to purchase or bring your own food (oceancityvacation.com/places-to-eat.html)
  • In the event of inclement weather, we may opt to have the Basset Olympics at the Picnic following the Parade on Saturday, April 12th, so check our social media for real-time updates.
Pawction Dinner

  • When: 5:00pm (cocktail hour) / 6:00pm (buffet dinner served)
  • Where: Linwood Country Club | 500 Shore Road, Linwood, NJ
  • Cost: $42 per person (must be paid in advance, buy tickets HERE). 
  • The “Pawction” includes one of a kind Basset-themed items that you bid on from a professional auctioneer!
  • There is also a silent auction, raffle table, prize giveaways and more!
  • Casual attire, cash bar
  • Online ticket sales end on April 11th
  • Once it becomes available from the venue, the buffet menu will be listed HERE
  • If you have any dietary restrictions email us at boardwaddle@tristatebassets.org
  • Note: Dogs are not permitted at this venue

SATURDAY, APRIL 12th

Parade Registration

  • When: 10:00 to 11:45am
  • Where: Ocean City Tabernacle grounds (corner of E. 6th Street and Asbury Avenue)
  • Check in at the Registration table and hand in your pledges (we accept cash/check/credit card/Venmo)
  • The first 100 people who check in at the Registration table will receive a ‘swag’ bag with some goodies (Note: one bag per family)
  • Purchase BoardWaddle 2025 t-shirts and hoodies
  • Soft pretzels/water available for purchase
  • Meet and mingle with new and old friends

Parade

  • When: 12:00pm
  • Where: Line up at Asbury Avenue & E. 6th Street (in front of the fire house)
  • Parade Route: Walk down Asbury Avenue from 6th Street to E. 12th Street; turn left onto E 12th Street and go to the Boardwalk; turn left on the Boardwalk and walk down the ramp to the sidewalk back at E. 6th Street for the Picnic!
  • DIY costumes and parade floats for your hounds and strut your stuff down the Ocean City streets and boardwalk!
  • The Parade route is 1.68 miles total. If your hound gets tired, hop on the ‘Pooped Pup’ truck that is at the very end of the Parade (this is a designated pick up truck and trailer that is at the very end of the Parade). 

Picnic

  • When: After the Parade at 1:00 to 4:00pm
  • Where: Football field next to the OC Recreation Dept (at E. 6th Street and Boardwalk)
  • TSBHR store selling new merchandise
  • Local small business vendors with a variety of pet-related merch and services available to purchase
  • Local animal rescues with adoptables you can meet
  • Hot dogs, snacks and drinks available or bring your own food (oceancityvacation.com/places-to-eat.html)
  • DJ playing music
  • Costume and parade float contests with ribbons/medals for the winners
  • Basset games including: Longest Ears, Lowest to the Ground and Best Trick with ribbons/medals for the winners
  • You can sign up for the contests and games in advance HERE
  • Awards for the top-10 pledgers
  • Vendors include:
    • Cape Creations – Elaine will be selling her beautiful handmade stainless steel charm bracelets…including some special Basset and rescue charms.
    • Doggie Beach Ice Cream Bar & Boutique – Samantha will be serving up some doggie ice cream and treats made in Ventnor City, NJ.
    • Gallagher Events – Chris Smith from Gallagher Events will be playing music and act as the emcee for the Picnic.
    • Images on the Run – Tim Hawk and Team are our official photographers for the BoardWaddle weekend…make sure to say hi to them!
    • Loren’s Reading Room – Author of children’s book, ‘Bowser’s Back’ which features a Basset Hound, Loren will be selling copies of this book and plush Bowsers, and will have some of her other works available too.
    • Peace In The Pack – Nancy will be on site providing information about her canine behavioral counseling services.
    • Pet Wants – Pamela will be selling pet health and wellness food, treats, supplements and ‘spaw’ products.
    • Philadelphia Animal Specialty & Emergency  (PASE) – Rebecca and our friends from PASE will be on site providing information about their services and vet care as needed.
    • Rugged Paw – Ashley is selling all natural pet care products that are made in NJ.
    • Saint Rocco’s Treats – Kolby and team will be selling all natural dog treats and food made in PA.
    • SOS Beagle Rescue – NJ – Linda and team will be on site to provide info about their non-profit organization and will have adoptables you can meet.
    • The Dog Bone Guy – Anthony and his team of Bernese Mount Dogs will be selling grass-fed NJ angus beef bones and more out of their bus.

PARADE ROUTE

If you walk the entire parade route, it is 1.68 miles from the start (at the OC Fire Department) to finish at the Picnic grounds on the football field next to the OC Recreation Dept (at E. 6th Street and Boardwalk).

HELPFUL INFO

General Rules & Tips

  • Everyone and every dog breed is welcome to join the Parade and Picnic!
  • All dogs must be up-to-date on shots (recommend bringing a copy of your dog’s records; rabies is a required vaccine in NJ).
  • Only Bassets and Basset-Mixes can participate in the Olympics.
  • Owners must be responsible for their dogs (please clean up after them and keep them leashed at all times).
  • TSBHR is not responsible for damage/harm incurred to any dog/person.
  • Sales of animals of any kind are not permitted.
  • If your dog gets tired during the Parade, hitch a ride on the “Pooped Pup” truck (this is a designated pick up truck and trailer that is at the very end of the Parade).
  • All of our events are rain or shine! Check our socials for real time updates: FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM.

Handy Checklist

  • Create a list of your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. who would make a donation. Remember, it doesn’t hurt to ask them to support the rescue!
  • Set a fundraising goal and continue to raise it right up until the Parade!
  • You and your donors can submit donations online via credit card or PayPal (HERE), mail them (via check) to P.O. Box or hand them in at the Parade (cash, check, credit card, Venmo accepted in person).
  • Make your hotel reservations.
  • Make your costumes and parade floats to enter in the Picnic contests.
  • Sign up for the ‘Senior Express’ if your older hound cannot walk the parade.
  • Check the weather and prepare for cooler temperatures.
  • Bring water and bowls for your hounds and blankets/chairs for the Picnic.
  • Buy tickets for the Pawction Dinner.
  • Buy your shirts online as popular sizes sell out fast.

Dog Friendly Hotels

Note: The Sonesta has changed to Avia. Per their website, they are scheduled to open in the spring, but we do not have a contact for them.

Coral Sands Motel

Sifting Sands Motel

Tide Winds Motel

Other Dog Friendly Lodging Options:

FAQ’s

Are dogs allowed at all the events?

  • The only event that dogs are not permitted is the Pawction Dinner on Friday night.
  • Only Basset Hounds and Basset Hound Mixes may participate in the Basset Olympics.
  • Every dog breed is welcome at the Parade and Picnic! We ask that the dogs you bring are up-to-date on shots and friendly towards other dogs and people.

Can I purchase tickets to the Pawction Dinner at the door?

  • No. You must purchase Pawction Dinner tickets in advance HERE.

Are all outdoor events rain or shine?

  • On Saturday, the Parade and Picnic will proceed as scheduled rain or shine. On Friday, in the event of rain, we may opt to have the Basset Olympics at the Picnic following the Parade on Saturday. Please check our Facebook page for real-time updates: www.facebook.com/TSBHR. 

Will there be food to purchase at the Basset Olympics, Parade Registration and Picnic?

  • Yes. There will be snacks/drinks available for a small donation to TSBHR. You can also bring your own food or visit one of the many places on Asbury Ave or the Boardwalk: oceancityvacation.com/places-to-eat.html.

How do my BoardWaddle pledges help the rescue?

  • Pledges go to the general fund to pay for the dogs currently in our care (e.g., spay/neuter, monthly flea/tick and heartworm preventatives, veterinary bills, transport costs, meds, etc.) and continue saving more dogs in need.

Do you have a senior dog who cannot walk the entire parade route?

  • Sign them up in advance for a spot on the ‘Senior Express’ so they can ride the entire parade route. Or you can walk the parade until they get tired and hitch a ride on the “Pooped Pup Truck” or pull them in your own wagon/push them in your own stroller.

Do I need to sign up in advance for the costume/parade float contests and Basset games?

  • No. Come to the Picnic after the Parade and sign up for the contests/games at the DJ booth/Picnic registration table.

Do you have additional questions?

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Date

Apr 11 - 12 2025

Time

All Day

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