It’s the most wonderful — and cute — day of the year.

Corgi Beach Day returned to the region on June 24, featuring a variety of fun dog events, which included a costume contest and a corgi race. The event had a new location and was held along the Seaside Promenade. In previous years, Corgi Beach Day has been held in Cannon Beach.

Corgi Beach Day’s move to Seaside this year allowed the event to expand, thanks to more available parking and lodging for corgis and owners.

“The city overall has been very receptive to the event,” Jennifer Robinson, the event organizer, said. “It’s always good to go to a place where you feel extremely welcomed.”

All funds raised during the event benefit the Oregon Humane Society.

“We are excited to be involved in this wonderful event and appreciate all the corgi lovers who support shelter pets,” said Laura Klink, Oregon Humane Society media relations and communications manager. “This event is a very important fundraiser.”

Last year, the event raised more than $12,500 for the humane society. About 1,200 people, 500 corgis and at least 65 “honorary corgis” or “corgis for the day” — aka other kinds of dogs — attended the event in 2022, Robinson said.

Funds help the Oregon Humane Society keep operating and provide a variety of services such as classes, veterinary care and rescuing animals from kill shelters.

Seaside’s Corgi Beach Day kicked off with the annual corgi costume contest. The contest had four costume categories, including two new Seaside-themed categories, in recognition of the event’s new location.

Costume challenges included “Dynamic Duo,” an invitation for corgis and their owners to dress up as a matching theme; a marine life animals category, where corgis dressed up as different forms of sea life; an amusement and carnival rides category, where corgis dress up as a theme park ride; and an “anything goes” catch-all category for outfits that don’t fit into the other categories.

The marine life category is an ode to the Seaside Aquarium, while the amusement and carnival rides category was made in reference to Seaside’s variety of carnival-themed rides and amusements in town, such as the Seaside Carousel Mall.