Run for Mayor. Raise Money. Make a Difference.
Could your dog, cat, or favorite stuffed animal become one of the Pet Mayors of the Arboretum?
This one-of-a-kind community fundraiser benefits Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens and the Everett Animal Shelter, with all proceeds shared equally between the two organizations.
Three Pet Mayors will be crowned:
🐶 Dog Mayor
🐱 Cat Mayor
🧸 Stuffie Mayor
It's easy to join the fun!
Each winning Pet Mayor will receive:
A photo plaque displayed on the entrance kiosk at the Arboretum
A pinned winner announcement post on the Evergreen Arboretum Facebook page
A photoshoot with your candidate at the Evergreen Arboretum
A one-year Evergreen Arboretum membership
A goody bag from a local pet store
A commemorative mayoral sash
Recognition during Autumn Fest Family Fun Day
Step 1 – Nominate Your Candidate
Beginning at Summer Fest on Saturday, July 18 (11 AM–2 PM), nominate your pet online by submitting:
A favorite photo
A creative campaign slogan
Your candidate's story
Nominate your candidate here, any time between July 18-October 16, 2026:
https://www.gogophotocontest.com/petmayorsevergreenarboretum
Your campaign season starts when you enter and voting runs through Oct 16th, so get your entries in!
Step 2 – Hit the Campaign Trail
Now the fun really begins!
Encourage family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers to vote for your candidate by sharing your campaign online.
Want to go all out?
Create a campaign sign for your yard, design buttons or stickers, wear campaign gear, or host your own mini "campaign rally." The more creative you are, the more attention your candidate will receive—and every vote helps support two wonderful community organizations.
Remember...
Votes are donations.
Every vote helps Evergreen Arboretum & Gardens and the Everett Animal Shelter continue their important work.
Step 3 – Election Day!
Voting is open:
July 18 – October 16
When voting closes, we'll count the ballots and prepare for a very special inauguration!
Inauguration Day
Join us during Autumn Fest on
Saturday, October 17
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
We'll officially announce and celebrate our three newly elected Pet Mayors!
The Everett Animal Shelter will once again join us with wonderful adoptable animals looking for loving homes.
We're also excited to welcome the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County, who will be on-site helping eligible community members register to vote—adding a fun civic twist to our Pet Mayor election!
Everyone Can Participate!
Whether you're running a candidate, cheering on your favorite pet, or simply casting a vote, you'll be helping gardens bloom, supporting animals in need, and creating a memorable community tradition.
Run for Mayor. Raise Money. Make a Difference.
We can't wait to meet your candidate! 🐾