It’s time to answer the age-old question: Who let the dogs out? Wausau River District, that’s who!

Wausau River District’s next First Thursday takes place on Thursday, August 6 between 5 and 8 p.m. This month, downtown Wausau will be transformed into the Dog Days of Summer, with the help of some furry friends.

While bringing dogs downtown is discouraged for attendees, Wausau River District has planned special visits from a wide range of canines. The Humane Society of Marathon County will be bringing adoptable dogs, the K-9 unit will make a special appearance and a few famous dogs might even find their way to the Wausau River District.

It would not be a First Thursday without downtown businesses putting their own spin on the theme. VOSStudios is filling their studio with certified therapy dogs and a plethora of library books about cute pups. They invite you and your littles to snuggle with a dog, grab a book and practice reading aloud.

The Center for Visual Arts will have their MANimal exhibit open to showcase art that shows the connection between man and animal. The exhibit even includes a saber tooth tiger! The Lamplighter Fine Gifts will be donating ten percent of all sales from First Thursday to the Humane Society of Marathon County.

To earn a special discount from participating businesses, attendees can bring a donation for the Humane Society of Marathon County. Those who bring a donation will be given a dog tag that they can then take to participating businesses to receive an additional discount or promotion.

Many of the same local musicians and bands from June and July will be back and stationed along the sidewalks of the River District for Dog Days of Summer.

Attendees are encouraged to explore the downtown Wausau businesses and areas that they have never been to before, such as the Third Street Lifestyle Center and the West side of the River District, which is a short ten minute walk across the river.

First Thursdays is Wausau’s newest shopping experience. Developed by local business owners who sought to enhance the downtown shopping experience, the goal of the event is to elevate the downtown shopping experience by creating an enjoyable atmosphere filled with music and entertainment while promoting the unique River District stores.

To that end, First Thursdays features different entertainment each month that matches the theme as well as later and uniform shopping hours during the event. In addition, each month will feature live local music and a free drawing for a $50 gift certificate to one of the thirty-plus participating business. You love downtown on Wednesdays, now try us on First Thursdays for merchandise, music and more!