We're heading into the dog days of summer, but that term will have a literal meaning on Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7. Keystone DockDogs will present Tails and Ales, a community event showcasing the sport of dock diving, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days in a parking lot across the street from 151 Orange St., Mount Joy. People are invited to bring their dogs to try the sport or to enjoy the other canine participants.

The organization will partner with Twisted Bine Beer Co. in Mount Joy to host the event, which will feature water competitions for dogs in a pool set up in an open lot owned by the Mount Joy American Legion. Food trucks, including Spud Muffin and Cupcakes by Casey, will be on hand, and the Mount Joy American Legion will sell food and drinks as well. Twisted Bine will operate a beer garden for people age 21 and older, and vendors will be set up selling items or spotlighting their services. A variety of giveaways will also be held.

Proceeds from the event will benefit people at the Lebanon Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Keystone DockDogs is a local affiliate of DockDogs, an international canine aquatics competition organization. The local club formed in 2005 and has about 100 members, said Travis Reish, club president.

"Our whole goal is to get families and dogs active," he said. "Dogs need something to do, especially breeds that are working dogs. Keystone DockDogs helps provide a very active sport and lets the dogs tap into what they've been bred to do."

The organization hosts practices across central Pennsylvania, and members participate in events throughout the region. Events take place in various bodies of water, from lakes to portable pools, and feature three disciplines, Travis said, explaining that each is similar to a track-and-field event.

"Big Air" compares to a long jump, with dogs competing for the farthest jump off the dock. "Extreme Vertical" is the sport's high jump, and "Speed Retrieve" is like a 100-meter dash, with dogs timed as they rush to retrieve a toy in the water.

Travis, who has four Labrador retrievers, has been competing with his pups for 10 years. He and his wife, April, enjoy the sport for a variety of reasons.

"It's great to get out with the dogs, get outside and get active," Travis said. "It's also a great opportunity to help the bond between humans and their dogs."

He's excited to bring Tails and Ales to Mount Joy because he believes in the benefit of family-friendly community events.

"Lots of families have dogs, and they are looking for things to do as a family," he said. "It's going to be a really fun weekend and a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend. There will be amazing food, fun competitions and lots to see."

There is a per-day fee for the event, with a discount for a weekend pass. For more information on Keystone DockDogs, visit http://www.keystonedockdogs.com.