A winning pooch will be crowned the official spokesdog for the Coastal Waccamaw Stormwater Education Consortium's (CWSEC) 2016 pet waste outreach campaign on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. at the Wachesaw Recreational Park. The Canines for Clean Water contest is free, and the public is invited.

Twelve canine finalists will be judged as they "walk the runway," show off their personalities and do tricks. The goal of the spokesdog contest is to find a "poo-llution solution" and to help increase awareness about the importance of cleaning up after our pets. Pet waste, when not picked up, is a common source of bacteria in our local waterways, according to Delanie Sage and Desiree Needham, Coastal Carolina University marine science students, who are coordinating the event.

Canine finalists will receive a dog toy and/or treat. The winner will be awarded a spa gift card to Petco, dog toy and/or treat, a gift card to Starbucks (for the owner), as well as a surprise gift. The runner up will also receive a spa gift card and dog toy and/or treat. An honorable mention and people's choice dog will also be named.

The CWSEC environmental education intern will also provide an educational booth with giveaways, a fun hands-on watershed model activity and games for the public. Spectators are welcome to bring their own dogs for some socialization/mingling and a chance to win prizes.

The event will take place at the Wachesaw Recreational Park at Old Kings Highway in Murrells Inlet. The contest will go on rain or shine. In case of inclement weather, a notification indicating the contest has been postponed will appear on the contest's Facebook page prior to the start of the festivities. Please visit http://www.facebook.com/canines4cleanwater.

For more information, call Lisa Swanger at 843-349-2839 or visit http://cwsec-sc.org/25/announcements.