Greenport Dog Dock Diving Event Shines Focus On Giving Back To Firefighters: 'True Backbones' Of Community

NORTH FORK, NY — For the second year in a row, a popular North Fork Dog Dock Diving Weekend will splash off in a new location in Greenport — with a focus on community and giving back to local firefighters and others who serve.

Organizers said the 10th Annual North Fork Dock Diving Weekend will return to Greenport on June 6 to June 7, at the Greenport Polo Grounds on Moore's Lane, "promising another exciting weekend of high-flying canine competition, community spirit, and local collaboration."

The event is hosted by Harbor Pet and led by its owner Kim Loper, who introduced Dock Dogs — The World’s Premier Canine Aquatics Competition, to Long Island, organizers said.

Together with co-chairs Sarah Phillips of First and South and Rena Wilhelm of The Weathered Barn, the trio "continues to lead one of Greenport’s most anticipated annual community events," they said.

For its first eight years, Harbor Pet hosted the event at a local brewery where it quickly built a loyal following among dog lovers across all of Long Island, the three said.

Last year, Loper relocated the event to the Polo Grounds "to more fully engage the Greenport community and its vibrant business district," organizers said. "The new location proved a tremendous success, offering expanded space for vendors, sponsors, and spectators while placing the festivities right in the backyard of the event’s three coordinators. With strong support from local businesses and residents, the event continues to grow into a signature celebration that brings together neighbors, visitors, and their four-legged athletes. "

At its second year at the Polo Grounds, the event continues its commitment to community partnerships and charitable giving, organizers said.

Last year, organizers partnered with the Greenport Fire Department to provide food for the event, and Loper donated $4,000 to the department, "in recognition of its vital role in the community."

“Our fire department is one of the true backbones of Greenport,” Loper said. “Supporting them while bringing people together for a joyful community event is something we’re proud to continue," she said. "Supporting our volunteer fire department means supporting the neighbors who step up when it matters most. Community stays strong when we stand together, especially for those risking everything without expecting a paycheck."

Added Phillips: "Our local fire department is at the heart of how this community thrives. They keep us safe, but they also bring us together — supporting families whether you live here year-round, part-time, or are just visiting. Their willingness to give their time, educate themselves, and ultimately put their lives on the line for all of us is something truly special. This event is one small way we can show up for them the way they always show up for us."

Event organizers also donated $10,000 to Greenport Skate Park Inc., supporting ongoing revitalization efforts at the local skate park.

The event has a meaningful mission, organizers said.

"This one-of-a-kind community event combines high-energy dock diving competitions with a deep commitment to supporting a vital local institution: the Greenport Fire Department," all three agreed. "Made up of dedicated volunteers who are also neighbors, business owners, and friends, the Greenport Fire Department plays an essential role in safeguarding the community."

In the past year alone, the department responded to 1,220 calls, with about 75 to 80 percent related to emergency medical services; the ambulance is deployed on every call, underscoring the critical need for reliable equipment and resources that help save lives, all agreed.

"They are the first on the scene when tragedy strikes, and they aren’t thanked nearly enough," said Wilhelm, one of the event organizers. "We are honored to support them by donating a portion of this event’s proceeds to help ensure they have what they need to continue their life-saving work."

For Wilhelm, the cause is also deeply personal. With close friends who served in the New York City Fire Department during the September 11 attacks, and a brother who served as a firefighter — one of his first calls was a significant fire where he found himself on a roof that was about to collapse, she said — her respect for first responders runs deep.

"Whether responding to a medical emergency or facing the unpredictability of a fire, these men and women put themselves on the line for others every day," she added. "Supporting them is not just important—it’s something I’m incredibly proud to be part of."

The North Fork Dog Dock Diving Weekend has quickly become a favorite Greenport event, offering a lively and welcoming atmosphere where spectators can enjoy thrilling canine competitions, local vendors, and a festive community spirit—all while contributing to a meaningful cause, organizers said.

Community members, visitors, and businesses are encouraged to attend, participate, and support through sponsorship opportunities.

The collaboration between Loper, Phillips, and Wilhelm has been instrumental in the event's continued success, all three believe.

All three are also part of the leadership team behind the Greenport Maritime Festival, "returning this September under Phillip’s direction," they said, "Like Dog Dock Diving Weekend, the Maritime Festival celebrates the heritage, culture, and community spirit that defines Greenport."

“Events like this help keep the spirit of Greenport alive,” Phillips said. “They’re part of what makes our village so magical.”

Adding to the excitement, this year’s event has been designated as a Wild Card, giving participating competitors the opportunity to earn double points. Registration is available online here.

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