Carol Stream's Armstrong Park to host dog fest

Cats may have nine lives, but dogs have only one -- so let yours live it up at the second annual CSBarks dog festival at Armstrong Park in Carol Stream.

The free event sponsored by the Carol Stream Park District runs noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Fido-friendly activities include a pet oasis and splash zone, pup spa, off-leash dog area, Canine Carnival Sponsored by PetCo and training clinics.

"We really wanted to do more free and special events for the community," said Kelly Carbon, community relations manager for the park district. "And we really wanted to do things for pet owners because we hadn't focused on that group."

Carbon said she's excited to have Sylvia Papadakos at the festival for the first time to collect gently used items, dry pet food and cash donations on behalf of the Pawfect Project, a nonprofit organization. Families are encouraged to bring a bag of food to the event to donate to the cause.

After rescuing her dog, Angel, roughly a year ago, Papadakos connected with veterinarian Dena Reinisch and heard of a great need in the community. The owner of Mappleberry Pancake House in Carol Stream was so touched by the stories she heard that she wanted to do something to help.

"The project is unique because (donations) go to different shelters and they try to really help people keep their pets," Carbon said. "They're doing great things in the community by trying to keep pet owners and pets together."

With money collected in a jar set out at the restaurant at 1276 Kuhn Road, the duo also tries to help pet owners who have lost their jobs and can't afford medical attention for their animals.

Pawfect Project's first fundraiser was last October and Papadakos said the number of bags of food collected was overwhelming. She heard about the first CSBarks around the time of her fundraiser and knew it was something she would like to be a part of this year.

"With the way the economy is, people are not aware of what's happening to these animals," Papadakos said. "Pawfect Project is there for our community to help those people that are in this horrible situation - and we're always accepting donations."

A trained American Kennel Club evaluator also will be at the festival conducting canine good citizenship tests for $3. Dogs that pass the 10-part test are awarded a certificate. Carbon said the AKC is excited to partner with the park district because September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month.

Frosty Paws Dog Ice Cream, Puppy Palate Pleasers and Perfect Turf will be among the 30 or so vendors setting up shop to help turn the park at 391 Illini Drive into a true pooch's paradise.

Owners can discover cool new tricks to teach their pooch as they watch Frisbee dog displays performed by the Windy City K9 Disc Club from Naperville, as well as Dog Agility and Flyball demonstrations sponsored by Paw Law Dog Training and Sports Academy in Hanover Park.

The Rotary Club of Carol Stream is joining in to sponsor a 3K Dog Walk that starts at 11:30 a.m. An owner can register with up to two pets, and the first 100 people to do so will receive a souvenir T-shirt.

"The amount of interest this year has just been spectacular," Carbon said. "From people who attended last year to the vendors to the sponsors - we've just really had a great amount of interest from everyone."

Upcoming park district-sponsored events for pets include a Dog Sports Academy and a Howlo'ween Dog Parade and costume contest in October. For information about the CSBarks festival or other programming, visit CSParks.org or call (630) 784-6100.

If you goWhat: CSBarks dog festivalWhen: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday; 3K dog walk at 11:30 a.m.Where: Armstrong Park, 391 Illini Drive, Carol StreamCost: FreeInfo: (630) 784-6100 CSParks.orgFalse17092000It's all about Fido - and Queen and Snickers and Fifi - on Sunday at CSBarks, a festival organized by Carol Steam Park District just for dogs and their humans.Daily Herald file photoFalse