By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Weekend Editor

It is said that animals are the first to know when something big is about to happen. Their strange behavior serves as an indicator to their owners and it can often precede the event by a number of days. It has not been reported if animals have been acting strangely recently, but if they have it can only mean one thing: Bark in the Park.

The event, sponsored by the Fayette County Humane Society, is a fund-raiser planned for Saturday, Sept. 25 at McCurry Park in Fayetteville for the third straight year. Bark in the Park features a pet parade, pet contests, performances from the Atlanta Dog and Disc Club and the Riverdale Drug Dogs, and door prizes.

The parade consists of a half-mile walk. Owners and their pets seek pledges for the walk in order to raise money for the Fayette County Humane Society. The person who collects the most pledges will win the grand prize, which is rumored to be a trip for two. There is a $10 registration fee for the pledge walk, which begins at 11:30 a.m.

After the parade/pledge walk, the contests will begin. This year there have been several new contests added. They include best costume, portliest pet, curliest tail, longest tail, largest and smallest spots, best and dumbest trick, longest ears and ugliest dog. The master of ceremonies for the contests will be beloved former 11 Alive meteorologist Guy Sharpe.

After the prizes are awarded, the demonstrations from the Atlanta Dog and Disc Club and the Riverdale Drug Dogs will take place.

Registration for the walk and the contests begins at 11 a.m. There will be exhibits and vendors as well as a pet caricaturist at the event. All pets are expected to be leashed, licensed, and with proof of vaccinations and rabies shots. Bark in the Park will run rain or shine. Call 770-487-1073 for information.

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