Bark In The Park Grows With 10K, More Family Fun

Talbot Humane’s third annual Bark in the Park will feature even more activities for people and pets this year. The free festival takes place rain or shine on Saturday, October 20th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.at Idlewild Park in Easton.

The festival starts early for the more athletically inclined, who can enter the new 10K run or 5K fun run/walk. Both start from Easton Middle School, where registration opens at 8 a.m. The 10K begins at 9a.m. and the 5K at 9:15. The races are sponsored by Annapolis Volvo.

Those who want their canine companions to join them can register for the Dog Walk, which will follow last year’s route through the streets of Easton. The Fun Dog Show also returns, with competitions in ten categories and Best In Show.

Registration fees apply for the runs, Dog Walk and Dog Show, with registration available in advance through the Talbot Humane website,www.talbothumane.org.Registration for the 10K and 5K races also is available through Active.com.

Bark in the Park events at Idlewild Park include Agility Dogs, Easton Police K-9 Unit and Search and Rescue demonstrations. Horse-drawn carriage rides, food, music and kids’ activities add to the entertainment for the whole family, with four-legged members welcome.

Behind all the fun, Talbot Humane’s mission in support of the animals isstill the primary focus of Bark in the Park. Local veterinarians wil lconduct mini-workshops on pet care topics, including nutrition,dental care, flea and tick prevention, spay/neuter and heartworm disease. Area shelters and rescue organizations present a PAWrade of Adoptable Dogs.

Participatingvets and organizations currently confirmed include Baywater AnimalRescue, Caroline Humane Society, Community Animal Hospital, DelmarvaDock Dogs, Humane Society of Kent County, Humane Society of theUnited States, Midshore Veterinary Service, Pet Health Clinic, Petson Wheels of Delmarva, Queen Anne’s County Animal Services, Spay Now,Talbot County Health Department and Emergency Services, andVeterinary Medical Center.

Festivalattendees are encouraged to bring dog or cat food to the event. It will be collected by Pet Pantries for distribution to Talbot Humaneand the other rescue groups and shelters.

TalbotHumane alone has more than 200 animals in its care waiting foradoption. To support the escalating expense for the care of theseanimals, Talbot Humane has a goal of $50,000 for this year’s Barkin the Park fundraiser. Volunteers can take part in the effort andcompete online, through a link on Talbot Humane’s website ordirectly through Active.com. Prizes for the top fundraisers include aone-week stay at a Florida condominium, a NOOK reader with Barnes &Noble gift card, and a $100 gift certificate to a local restaurant.

Charlie Petosa, left, and Charles Riter were the Highest YouthFundraiser and Highest Adult Fundraiser, respectively, for lastyear’s Bark in the Park online fundraising effort. Prizes are beingoffered for the top three fundraisers this year.

PattyCrankshaw-Quimby, Executive Director of Talbot Humane, is grateful tothe businesses and organizations that are supporting Bark in the Parkand Talbot Humane with their sponsorships. WCEI is a top sponsor.Others include Big Dogs, C. Albert Matthews, Easton Elks #1622,Easton Utilities Commission, Foxy’s Harbor Grill, Gone for a Run,Hertrich Chevrolet, M&T Bank, Oxford Lawn & Landscape,PetSmart, Pierson’s Comfort Group, Preston Automotive Group,Provident State Bank, Queenstown Bank, Salisbury Gift & Garden,Three Penny Opera, TriCrown Inn for Pets, What’s Up? Media, CurryWilford, and the YMCA.

Ultimately,however, Crankshaw-Quimby emphasized that it is the families who comeout and enjoy Bark in the Park and all it has to offer who make theevent a success for Talbot Humane, the animals and the community.“This is such a fun event for the whole family,” she said. “Bringthe dog and the kids, and come out and show your support for all wedo for the animals of Talbot County.”

For more information, to make a contribution, or to volunteer, call Talbot Humane at 410-822-0107 or visit www.talbothumane.org.

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