Poodles, pugs and various other pooches will be on display as the first Bark in the Park takes place at the Starkville Sportsplex Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Sponsored by the Oktibbeha County Humane Society and 52-Moms, the event encourages residents to bring their K9’s out for a day of games, obedience training and awareness for the Starkville Animal Shelter. Except for the 5k race and photo booth, all activities are free. Donations are encouraged.
OCHS board member Michele Anderson said the event will raise funds for the nonprofit group and will be fun for everyone, including their four-legged friends.
“Funds raised from the event will help support health and wellness programs for our shelter animals and our community outreach spay and neuter program,” Anderson said.
A 5K run and a one-mile fun run will kick off the day at 8:30 a.m. with event day registration at 7:30 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring their dogs along for the race. Water stations will be provided throughout the course for both pet and owner.
Pre-registration for the run is $20 for adults and $15 for children with a free T-shirt included.
After the owners have their competition, it will be time for the pets to strut their stuff. At 9:30 a.m., the dogs will take center stage as different games and competitions begin.
Anderson said there will be no shortage of events for dogs to enter to take home medals and various other prizes.
“Our Top Dog Contest will include prizes for Best Wag and Best Dressed among others,” Anderson said. “We’ll also have games such as Dunking for Dogs, Musical Sit and the Peanut Butter Lick.”
In addition to the games, demonstrations and information sessions will take place throughout the event. Dog obedience, agility and animal CPR workshops will be showcased as well as a discussion on pet loss and grief. There will be children’s activities such as face painting, bounce houses and mural painting.
Numerous student organizations and volunteers will be working at the event to ensure its success and create a local pet tradition.
Delta Delta Delta sorority president Kelsey Myers said the sorority wanted to help out because so many of its members had adopted from OCHS.
“As a chapter we decided that the Oktibbeha County Humane Society was a great way to give back to the city of Starkville,” Myers said. “This weekend, with Bark in the Park, we are really looking forward to showing the community how much we care and are excited about helping to increase awareness about the society.”
Psychology graduate student John MacArthur said he plans on attending the event with his dog, Belle, who he recently adopted from OCHS.
“It will be nice to have an event here in town that’s dedicated to our pets and having a good time with them,” MacArthur said. “The humane society does so much for this community, and I hope a lot of people come out to support them.”
McAlister’s Deli will be on site to sell refreshments and entertainment will be provided by The Jarheads, John Brocato and the MSU Spirit Group.
In addition to Bark in the Park, OCHS is teaming up with 52-Moms to help encourage young girls to enter the sciences. Girl Power STEM Extravaganza will take place inside the Sportsplex from 9 a.m. until noon for free.
Girl Power event planner Kay Brocato said while the event is targeted for girls, everyone is welcome to attend.
“We want all genders, ages, color, shapes, sizes, cultures and personalities of people,” Brocato said. “Anyone who has a special woman – mom, sister, aunt, grandmother, wife, daughter, cousin or niece – in their life is invited.”
Various wood science experiments will take place as well as workshops on veterinary medicine and robotics.
While OCHS encourages all dog owners to attend both events, Anderson said to use common sense when bringing your pet into large crowds.
“Please keep your dog on a leash and be sure he is healthy and current on all vaccines,” she said.
To register for the race, call 617-4800 or for more information, visit msstate.edu/org/humane. For more information on the OCHS, visit mapetfinder.com/shelters/MS14.html.