Bark-a-Paw-Looza promises day of fun for furry friends
Does your best friend walk on four legs and lick your face to say hello?
Treat your pup right this Saturday as the city of Elgin and West Point Gardens host the second annual Bark-a-Paw-Looza festival at 10 a.m. at Meier Park. The event will be packed with activities to bring you and your fur-covered friend closer then ever.
"So many festivals are focused on families," said event coordinator Barb Keselica. "But there are a lot of people who love their dogs as children, so we wanted to create an event for them."
The day's schedule includes a blend of sport, scoop and shopping. Athletic pups can prove their prowess at the Dog Frisbee Competition, where every participant will receive a flying disc and the winners take away an extra prize.
Less active dogs can sniff their way to glory in the Doggie Bone Hunt, searching for plastic shaped bones filled with treats.
Everyone is welcome to take their best shot in the dog photo contest. Entrants will have a Polaroid photo placed on a wall, where guests can vote for their favorites by dropping quarters in jars below. Winners will be announced in four categories: cutest dog, happiest dog, best dressed dog, and best dog and owner look alike. Winning photos will be published next week in the Daily Herald.
The collected money will be donated to local rescue groups and winners will take away a $25 gift card to PetCo.
The fun and games are not just for the pets. Children can join in a coloring contest, bounce on a dalmation moon walk and have their faces painted to look like their furry counterparts.
Bark-a-Paw-Looza guests will also have the opportunity to learn new things about keeping their pets safe and healthy. Dog trainers, sitters and groomers will be on hand to give demonstrations, while local rescue groups will be distributing information on how to get involved.
A few fortunate puppies may even get a second chance at a happy home.
"We will have some dogs available for adoption," Keselica said. "So those looking for a new friend may be in luck!"
Those wanting new ways to spoil their pets can browse the selection of dog boutique booths, including retailers Felix and Fifi's of Carpentersville and Barrington Dog Bakery.
No matter what fun you find, this fest will surely receive more than a few tail wags.
Bark-a-Paw-Looza runs this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Meijer Park, 251 Garden Drive, Elgin. Admission is free. For safety reasons, dogs must be leashed at all times.
If you go
What: Elgin Bark-A-Paw-Looza, a day in the park for dogs and their owners
When: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 20; activities include:
9:30-10 a.m.: Dog Frisbee Competition registration, $10
10 a.m.-noon: Dog Frisbee Competition
11 a.m. to noon: First Aid demonstration
Noon-12:30 p.m.: Elgin Police Department K-9 Unit demonstration
12:30-1 p.m.: Doggie Bone Hunt for dogs weighing 24 lbs. or less
1-1:30 p.m.: Doggie Bone Hunt for large dogs (dogs over 24 pounds)
1:30-2 p.m.: obedience demonstration
Where: West Point Gardens' Meier Park, 251 Garden Drive, Elgin
How much? Admission is free
Info: (847) 608-1000 or cityofelgin.org