CONTACT: Brian Ososky
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
863-734-1210; bososky@boktower.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2013

What: Winter Dog Day
When: Saturday, January 19, 8 a.m.-6p.m.; Special Activities 9 a.m.-noon
Where: Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens Teams with Polk Humane Society,
Hosts Winter Dog Day Jan. 19

LAKE WALES, Fla. — Bok Tower Gardens is going to the dogs for good cause on Saturday, January 19 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with special activities 9 a.m. to noon during the Bark Tower Gardens’ Winter Dog Day.  The event is sponsored in part by Veterinary Healthcare Associates of Winter Haven, Lake Wales News, and The New Barker magazine.

Leashed and friendly dogs are invited to visit in support of the Humane Society of Polk County, which will receive 50 percent of the event proceeds. Dog admission, including a doggie gift bag, is $5 per dog. Regular human admission rates apply.

“Dogs are such an important member in many of our families,” explains David Price, Gardens’ president. “We welcome them to the Gardens on these special days to not only help our friends at the Humane Society, but also as a way to encourage families to get out in nature with their pets.”

Tips on health, safety, dog grooming and adoption, as well as some special friends who need a good home will be available from 9 a.m. to noon. “Ask a Vet” and “Ask a Trainer” experts will be on hand to answer questions, and doggie boutique items will be for sale. Judges will select the cutest, most unusual, owner look-a-like, most talented, and best kisser dogs with prizes provided for the top three winners in each category. Water bowls will be located throughout the Gardens.

The Humane Society of Polk County is Polk County’s first and only no kill animal shelter.  They are committed to caring for our furry friends; therefore, all accepted animals are spayed or neutered, provided with shots, heartworm tested or feline leukemia/aids tested, de-wormed, micro-chipped, and provided a physical exam by a local veterinarian. But they can’t do all of this alone. They need support from the local community, and this event is a great way to enjoy the Gardens and help rescue abandoned dogs at the same time. Celebrate all the lives that have been saved and maybe save another one yourself!

Visitors are encouraged to bring a plastic bag to dispose of pet waste. Visit boktowergardens.org or humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org for more information.

Other Events and Activities this month at Bok Tower Gardens:

Sun., Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. – Live at the Gardens Winter Concert – Braun & Wolf Piano and Violin Duo
Each time Gary Wolf and Matitiahu Braun play at Pinewood Estate, they receive a standing ovation for their exceptional performance. Both have performed as recitalists and ensemble musicians throughout the U.S. and Europe. $25 per person.

Mon., Jan. 21 at 1 and 3 p.m. – Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Concerts – Singing Tower
Concerts feature selections to honor the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Included with admission.

Thur., Jan 24 – Volunteer Job Fair, 2-3:30 p.m.
Ready to learn new skills, meet new people, and have fun? Information will be available from a variety of Gardens' departments offering volunteer opportunities. Once a volunteer donates 50 hours of service or more, they earn a tour of the Singing Tower, membership to the Gardens, and numerous other benefits.

Thur., Jan. 24 – Watercolor Classes with Instructor Owen Jolly Begin
Unlock your creativity as you learn painting techniques and drawing skills. Beginners to intermediate students receive personalized instruction every Thursday through April 11. $225 per person.

Sat., Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. – Great Garden Speakers Series – “Florida’s Finest” with Tom MacCubbin

Discover the plants that have made Florida famous throughout our history, including bromeliads, vegetables and citrus. $20 per person.

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About Bok Tower Gardens:
Voted Florida’s best garden, Bok Tower Gardens is a National Historic Landmark located 10 miles from LEGOLAND Florida, 55 miles southwest of Orlando and 60 miles east of Tampa near Lake Wales in Central Florida’s rolling hills of citrus. Open every day of the year from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., last admission is 5 p.m. The Visitor Center, Café and Gift Shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults and $3 for ages 5-12. Members and children under 5 are admitted free. LEGOLAND ticket holders will receive free admission for children under 12. For more information contact Bok Tower Gardens, 1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales FL 33853; 863-676-1408 or visit www.boktowergardens.org.