Celebrate all things dog at Barkapalooza

The West Suburban Humane Society will celebrate all things dog-related this month at its annual Barkapalooza, a half-day, family-friendly fest for dogs and their people.

This year's Barkapalooza is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, at Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St., Lisle.

The dog-friendly event allows pet owners, prospective pet adopters and all-around pet lovers to raise money for homeless pets through a Dog Walkathon. Participants are encouraged to collect pledges for the walk, and all proceeds will support the West Suburban Humane Society.

Visitors to Barkapalooza can enjoy food, music and a free goody bag for participating in the walk. Adult registration is $15 through Friday, Sept. 18, and $20 after. Children 12 and younger may walk for free. Walkers with $100 or more in collected pledges will have their registration fee waived. Participants may set up fundraising websites by logging on to firstgiving.com/wshs. Fundraising is not necessary to attend Barkapalooza but is highly encouraged.

Animal lovers may explore the Pet Expo, featuring a variety of pet vendors and a few breed-specific rescue groups. Owners also may have pets microchipped for a discounted rate of $35. A blessing of the animals will be given at 10 a.m. to open the event, and the West Suburban Humane Society Alumni Agility Dogs will do two demonstrations. For the kids, there will be clowns, face painting, and balloon sculptures, along with a "Kids and Kindness Zone" and a scavenger hunt.

If you go

What: West Suburban Humane Society's Barkapalooza

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27

Where: Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St., Lisle

Cost: $15 for walkathon through Sept. 18, $20 after; free for kids 12 and younger

Info: wshs-dg.org/barkapalooza