Talbot Humane’s Bark in the Park Year 8!

If you can believe it, we are in the 8^th year of Talbot Humane’s Bark in the Park. The years have brought a great deal of fun and fellowship to the community and raised more than $350,000 to support the animals and services of Talbot Humane!   The free family festival takes place rain or shine on Saturday, October 14^th from 8AM-noon at Idlewild Park in Easton.

Bark in the Park starts early for runners and walkers who can enter our dog-friendly UNLEASHED 5K timed fun run/walk.   The Annual Homecoming Pawrade (dog walk) Sponsored by Hair O The Dog kicks off at 9A.  The Fun Dog Show returns for the 8^th year with competitions in ten categories and Best in Show.  Registration fees apply for the 5K, Dog Walk, and Dog Show. The Dog Walk is preceded by the national anthem, moment of howl, and blessing of the animals.  Registration for all 3 events opens at 7:15A.  Preregistration is available until October 12^th at www.talbothumane.org .

The day’s fun includes The Doggie Spa sponsored by Kevertin Pet Resort- have your dog’s nails, teeth and coat spruced up while enjoying the day!   The Bark in the Park Boutique presented by St. Michaels Pet Supplies has the must have items for every pet lover.  Local nonprofit organizations, artisans and local business vendors are signing up daily to attend this year’s festivities.   We are looking forward to honoring our local veterinary heroes who give countless hours and services to the animals in our care each year.  Included this year are the Doggie Kissing Booth, Live music, local food vendors, and a kid’s corner sponsored by Talbot Humane’s youth group Humane Hands which will include face painting and crafts.

With all the festival fun, Talbot Humane’s mission in support of the animals is still the primary focus of Bark in the Park. Local veterinarians conduct mini-workshops on pet care topics. Area shelters and rescue organizations will once again present a PAWrade of Adoptable Dogs to encourage visitors to make one of these homeless pups a part of their family.

Talbot Humane has close to 200 animals in its care waiting for adoption. To support the expense for the care of these animals, Talbot Humane has goal of $50,000 for this year’s Bark in the Park fundraiser.

Sponsors play an important role in community events. Talbot Humane’s team wishes to thank businesses and organizations that are supporting Bark in the Park and Talbot Humane this year. Hair O’ The Dog, Easton Utilities, Kevertin Pet Resort and WCEI are this year’s major sponsors with others currently committed including The Star Democrat, TriCycle and Run, Chris Wilke, Foxy’s Harbor Grille, Doc’s Downtown and Sunset Grilles and Preston Auto Group among others.

Ultimately, however, Patty Crankshaw-Quimby, Talbot Humane’s executive director emphasizes that it is the families who come out and enjoy Bark in the Park and all it has to offer who make the event a success for Talbot Humane, the animals, and the community. “This is such a fun event for the whole family,” she said. “Bring the dog and the kids, and come out and show your support for all we do for the animals of the Midshore.”