Paws in the air: Bark in the Park returns Sept. 23

DUNCAN — From playful paws to tail wags, the Stephens County Humane Society’s annual Bark in the Park event will set up festivities at Fuqua Park on Sept. 23.

The Stephens County Humane Society’s (SCHS) largest annual fundraiser is a family and pet friendly event for all to enjoy. This year’s Bark in the Park event will begin at 11 a.m. and run until 3 p.m. on Saturday at Fuqua Park in Duncan.

Patti Whitaker, Bark in the Park chairman, said this is the 18th year for the Bark in the Park fundraiser and the funds go to care for the animals that come into the humane society.

The family-friendly event will bring pets and pet owners together for a day full of fun.

The 5th Annual One-Mile Wag Walk will begin with registration at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is $20 and $25 the day of the event. Everyone who registers will receive a Bark in the Park T-shirt. Prizes will be awarded for the most pledges collected.

The event will feature weenie dog races, a best trick contest, a pet costumes contest, a best bark contest, an owner look-a-like contest and best ears.

In addition to the traditional event, Bark in the Park will host food trucks, puppy yoga, pet-related vendors, wiener bobbing, raffles, pet photos, demonstrations and weenie dog races.

There will be a Kitty Korner booth where attendees can cast their vote for the cutest cat photo for $1.

According Whitaker, the first 100 people to register will receive a Bark in the Park goodie bag and Wag Walk will kick off the event at 9:30 a.m.

“This event is aimed at raising public awareness and generating funds for the Stephens County Humane Society, a non-profit organization,” Whitaker said. “So, fetch your family, friends, co-workers and canines! We need you to make this a bark-riffic success.”