Carol Stream Park District going to the dogs

Carol Stream Park District will go to the dogs Saturday afternoon. And evening. And morning.

In fact, for 24 hours, the organization will change its name to the Carol Stream Bark District.

The name won't be the only new thing that day. The district will sponsor its first canine festival to allow dog owners to spend the early afternoon pampering their pets and learning how to train them.

"It's the first time we've ever really offered anything for the dog owner and really celebrated that relationship," community relations specialist Kelly Carbon said.

The canine celebration will take place from noon to 3 p.m. at Armstrong Park, 391 Illini Drive. Speakers such as veterinarians and behavior therapists will answer questions, as will experts on therapy dogs and dog acting.

Groomers will be on hand to offer treatment throughout the day and there will be demonstrations of disc-catching, obedience and even a canine drill team.

The event serves as an attempt at showing dog owners just how many services are available for them, Carbon said.

A recent park district survey of 4,000 respondents indicated 29 percent would use a dog park regularly.

As a result, the district will look into incorporating one into its plans for expansion or construction.

Carbon said she expects roughly 1,000 people at the festival.

"It's all about the dogs," she said.