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There’s no worry about the day’s rainy forecast – the Fifth Annual Pugapalooza weekend in Asbury Park sets off indoors at 5 p.m. Friday with a meet and greet at Dark City Brewing Co, located at 1001 Main St.

But a close watch on the weather will remain to ensure the Saturday and Sunday outdoor events can go off without a hitch or impromptu change in plans, founder Connie Breech said.

“As long as it’s clear by Saturday we should be alright,” Breech said. “We have people who are coming from out town; from Buffalo and Pittsburgh, so I’m praying Mother Nature is nice to us.”

The area’s accuweather.com forecast currently calls for rain and thunderstorms Friday but cloudiness during the height of the main event being held from 1 to 5 p.m. at Wonder Bar, located at 1213 Ocean Ave. Admission is $10 and music, drinks, vendors and gift basket raffles are among the featured offerings.

“The same thing happened last year,” Breech said. “But then the sky opened up and was beautiful for the promenade.”

The promenade is the Pugapalooza weekend highlight, with the crinkly faced, stout breed that traces its lineage back to the 16th century showing off their glossy coats and sociable gentle nature.

Return to the Wonder Bar for the 11 a.m. Sunday brunch held prior to the 1 p.m. Pink Pug Promenade along the Asbury Park boardwalk. The brunch is $15.

A panel of judges will cast ballots for not only the Pinkest Pug but also the Pinkest Pug Couple and Grumble [define of three or more pugs], said Breech, the owner of two pugs.

Pugapalooza is held in support of the Pug Squad, a group of volunteers who fundraise and work to rescue and provide life-sustaining support for senior and special needs dogs.

Breech said the weekend event’s sponsored hotel, the Ocean Avenue located Empress, has sold out and The Asbury on Fifth Avenue is now handling the overflow of bookings.

A free shuttle will run Friday night, courtesy of Buhler Chevrolet [now Seacoast], from the Empress and The Asbury hotels to Dark City Brewing Co.

For more and updated information throughout the weekend, visit the event Facebook page here.

[Photos courtesy of Breech]

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