Talbot Humane is enlisting the community in preparation for its new family fun festival, Bark in the Park. The event will be held at Idlewild Park inEaston on Saturday, October 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Volunteers, businesses and staff are all working to stage the fall “funraiser.” The event will be not only a day of activities for the entire family, including the canine members, but also the culmination of an online fundraising effort.

Using the latest social networking tools, Talbot Humane is recruiting its friends to reach out online to their own friends and associates to solicit donations benefiting the Talbot County animal population served by the organization.

By setting up a Personal Page on the Bark in the Park website,www.tinyurl.com/Bark-in-the-Park, friends of the organization can tell their own stories of why they are supporting Talbot Humane. They may then email a link to their page to others, encouraging donations and support for the event.

“In just the initial week, our first eleven fundraisers brought us more than $3,300,” said Brian Metcalf, Talbot Humane’s Executive Director. “If we can enlist a hundred or more supporters to help with this effort, it can be a major boost to Talbot Humane and our furry friends.”

Local businesses are helping in the effort, according to Talbot Humane Board Member Barbara Mulready. “A number of businesses have offered to include information about Bark in the Park and this special fundraising effort in communications to their customers,” she said. “By using social networking and the internet, we expect to reach more than 70,000 people.” Traditional event sponsor opportunities are also available for businesses and individuals.

Bark in the Park will feature a variety of activities and events for families and their dogs to enjoy. Dog owners may participate in The Grand Dog Walk and a Fun Doggie Show, competing for prizes. There will be Easton Police K-9 demonstrations along with exhibitions by Frisbee, agility and obedience dogs. Horse-drawn carriage rides, pet-style face painting, food and music will add to the festival fun.

For Talbot Humane, the funraising is just as important as the fundraising. “Getting people to know about us and support our efforts in a fun way helps us take care of Talbot County’s critters even better,” said Metcalf. “Everyone who learns how to adopt a pet and care for it responsibly means another opportunity for one of these wonderful animals to find its loving forever home.”

For more information about Bark in the Park, call Talbot Humane at 410-822-0107 or visit www.tinyurl.com/Bark-in-the-Park.