Golden Jubilee weekend brought hundreds of golden retrievers and their families to the Cape Region Sept. 25-27, despite rainy weather that forced organizers to move and cancel some events.

The twice-a-year gathering, held on Mother’s Day weekend and the last weekend in September, typically draws 300 to 400 golden retriever families, according to organizer Kim Bronakoski.

“There were about 30 to 40 people on Facebook saying they couldn’t make it,” Bronakoski said. “Over 400 said they were coming this weekend.”

The weekend kicked off Friday evening with a costume parade featuring furry faces in matching and creative costumes. The parade ended at Salty Paws on Rehoboth Avenue, where dogs gathered for an ice cream social. The line typically wraps around the block.

Salty Paws owner Suzanne Tretowicz said the weather kept some families away, but she was still impressed by the turnout.

Saturday morning’s Golden Jubilee events were originally planned for Dewey Beach, but rain moved the gathering to Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach, where the pavilion provided protection from the weather. The dogs appeared largely unfazed, playing on the playground and splashing in puddles.

The weekend’s Saturday evening beach bonfire was canceled because of the weather, but organizers provided an ice cream farewell Sunday morning at Hopkins Farm Creamery.

In addition to bringing golden retriever families together, the weekend raises money for two causes. Proceeds support the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study through the Morris Animal Foundation, which researches why golden retrievers experience cancer at higher rates than many other dog breeds. Funds also support Golden Retriever Rescue Education and Training, or GREAT.

For Bronakoski, the weekend is as much about the friendships as it is about the dogs.

“Honestly, until I had my golden, I didn't have this many friends,” she said. “These are my people because, look, they're crazy. They're standing in the rain with their dogs.”