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Mascot Weavdog stands with a four-legged friend.
MIFFLINTOWN — Sadly, animal shelters and saves have actually been deluged with undesirable family pets over the previous couple of years.
Since the pandemic, owners no longer desire or can manage to look after these animals. Not just has actually there been a pressure due to the growing variety of animals however the increasing monetary expenses to look after them.
Beth Weaver of Milroy is hoping the very first Bark in the Park will help relieve a few of that monetary problem.
The concept to hold this occasion followed Weaver assisted a friend and dog caretaker created a Paws on Parade back at Kishacoquillas Park in Derry Township in 2021. “It had a big turnout, and it was simply a little bake sale and an animal walk. It made almost $2,000 for a regional rescue.
“Even our state representative at the time, John Hershey, came out with his wife and beautiful German Shepherd to walk with us,” she included.
This year’s variation will be held at 258 Walker Township Park Lane, Mifflintown, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30.
The Bark in the Park will include a costumed animal parade, suppliers, food, Chinese auction, video games and a see from mascot Weavdog.
“I figured if we can make this much on a walk and small bake sale we can do something bigger and hope it takes off as a yearly event to help different rescues each year,” Weaver explained.
Proceeds will benefit Heather Hockenberry and Her Furry Friends Animal Rescue of Honey Grove.
“Heather is well known for her rescue efforts,” Weaver said. “(She) is always taking in animals from pot-bellied pigs to kittens, even horses. She always puts 100 percent effort into getting the sick ones healthy and finding wonderful homes for all our furry friends.”
So far, the occasion has actually been favored.
“With this being our first time, I was concerned about not getting many vendors or if any at all,” Weaver said. “But here we are, 15 suppliers for our very first program!
“Which 15 is really great for a first time show that you have no idea how many people will turn out for,” she included. “Most new events bring maybe 4 or 5 vendors to test the waters.”
Vendors will have items from doggie sweatshirts and headscarfs to true blessings of the family pets, Hank the Heeler’s Kissing Booth and Hillary’s Hound School, which provides complimentary obedience and training pointers.
Deejay John Wagner, of J Squatch Entertainment, will supply musical home entertainment at the occasion.
“My expectation of this event is that this has a big draw and that we can make it an annual event,” Weaver said.
Despite the occasion being tailored to animal owners, the whole neighborhood is welcomed to participate in and support occasions like the Chinese auction or cheer on Weavdog who will lead the parade of rock and roll-themed costumed family pets.
“You don’t need a pet to come to support our local rescues, but who would want to turn down the chance to come and pet dogs all day?” Weaver said.
For more details, discover the Bark in the Park page on Facebook.
