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 9 a.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 is still the primary focus of Bark in the Park. Local veterinarians will conduct 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.

Participating vets and organizations currently confirmed include Baywater Animal Rescue, Caroline Humane Society, Community Animal Hospital, Delmarva Dock Dogs, Humane Society of Kent County, Humane Society of the United States, Midshore Veterinary Service, Pet Health Clinic, Pets on Wheels of Delmarva, Queen Anne’s County Animal Services, Spay Now, Talbot County Health Department and Emergency Services, and Veterinary Medical Center.

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

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

Patty Crankshaw-Quimby, Executive Director of Talbot Humane, is grateful to the businesses and organizations that are supporting Bark in the Park and 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, Curry Wilford, and the YMCA.

Ultimately, however, Crankshaw-Quimby emphasized 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 Talbot County.”

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

In photo at left: Charlie Petosa, left, and Charles Riter were the Highest Youth Fundraiser and Highest Adult Fundraiser, respectively, for last year’s Bark in the Park online fundraising effort. Prizes are being offered for the top three fundraisers this year.

In photo above: Participants in the Dog Walk can support Talbot Humane by registering online and recruiting sponsors for their walk.