The 3rd Annual BARCStoberfest expects more than 1,000 two-legged and four-legged friends to flood Patterson Park on Sunday.
“I would say it?s definitely a one-of-a-kind event. Baltimore is really known for its festivals and street fairs, and recently they banned dogs at those events,” said Teri Cerny, a volunteer with Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter. “So this is one of the last events where dogs are welcome, and I think people would be excited about that. It?s also a very family-friendly event.”
Each year BARCStoberfest grows bigger, said Jennifer Mead-Brause, Executive Director of the organization. “We have more vendors this year. … I think it will be really fun.”
This is the first year that BARCS has partnered with Canton Dog Park to combine BARCS? festival with the dog park?s Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest at their annual Baltimore Dog Festival.
“I think people are attracted to this event because people care about animals,” Mead-Brause said. “At least half of the population have pets.”
Last year, the event raised more than $15,000.
“In general, the funds go to the shelter, but we just started a new fund for sick and injured animals, so that?s where some of the money will go,” Mead-Brause said. “We are also looking into beginning spaying and neutering at the shelter, and making improvements to the shelter and animal care.”
Gina Schwind, president of the Friends of Canton Dog Park Community, said that the dog costume contest began as a way to raise funds to build the dog park. “It just blossomed from there. People began to see how much fun it is.”
Schwind?s dog, Molly, a 115-pound Bull Mastiff, won?t be at the event, but that doesn?t mean Schwind won?t be having a good time. “I always enjoy seeing what people come up with for best last-minute costume. It requires a lot of creativity.”
IF YOU GO
WHERE: Patterson Park, Baltimore
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
TICKETS: Free (There is a $15 fee to enter a contest)
