The Natchez-Adams County Humane Society is excited to announce that it is time for the 20th annual Bark in the Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians.

Admission is $4 per person and $1 for children 5 and under. At Bark in the Park, dogs will have the opportunity to compete in the following contests: cutest puppy (limited to puppies 6 weeks to 4 months old), most handsome, most beautiful, best trick, best owner look alike, best dressed, best smile, best tail wag and best singer.

Dogs that have been adopted from our local shelter can also compete in the Mr. NACHS or Miss NACHS competitions.

It only costs $2 to enter your pet in any category, and you may enter as many of these categories as you wish. Trophies will be awarded.

We ask that all four-legged participants at Bark in the Park be well-mannered around others and that they keep their owners on a leash while at the event!

Returning as our emcee is Eddie Ray. There will be T-shirts for sale, raffles and concessions.

Local artist Kay Browning has again generously designed a unique Bark in the Park T-shirt celebrating the 20th year for this special fundraising event.

The cutest puppy contest will start at 11:30, with the other contests to follow about every 20 minutes.

Our great friends at Southside Market have arranged for representatives from Hartz and Purina to set up tables at our event, and Southside is raffling a mountain bike.

In addition, Southside Market is sponsoring a steak dinner on Sept. 27 to benefit the Humane Society. The dinner includes an Angus rib-eye steak with baked potato and a roll for only $10. We thank The Markets for their continued support.

We are also excited to announce our fourth annual, Blessing of the Animals, which will be in just a few weeks at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7 at Grace United Methodist Church.

The Rev. Nance Hixson will preside over this special service. There is no admission charge for the event. Animals may be brought in carriers or on leashes to the event.

If your pet cannot travel to the blessing service or if your pet does not socialize well with others, please come and bring a photo of your pet or pets.

Our special thanks to Grace UMC and the Rev. Hixson for hosting this unique event once again for all pets of the Miss-Lou.

If you would like to become a member of the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society, please send your contact information and annual membership fee of $15 for individuals or $20 for a couple to P.O. Box 549 Natchez, MS 39121.

Visit our website at www.natchezpetadoptions.org to view animals waiting for their forever home and to find out more about our upcoming events like pet photos with Santa and special adoption days.

Pack up the family and some lawn chairs, and come bark in the park with us at the Grand Village.

We hope to see you Saturday.

 

Susan Mingee is a resident of Natchez and serves as secretary of the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.