NATCHEZ — Bark in the Park has a simple message — shelter dogs are just as loveable and talented as any other dog.

And dozens of doggies will speak that message loud and clear next Saturday at the annual fundraiser for the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society.

“It’s always special to see a dog out there that came from our shelter,” event organizer Deanne Tanskley said. “A lot of the dogs that participate are (from the shelter). Some people look at shelter dogs and say, ‘Oh, it’s just a shelter dog,’ but that dog will love you with every bone in its body because it knows that you rescued it.”

NACHS President Kathy Fitch said she is expecting a great turnout for the 21st annual Bark in the Park Saturday. The event will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians. The first contest will take place at 11:30.

Dog owners are invited to attend either to watch and roam the park or to enter their pets in a number of dog show categories. One of Fitch’s favorite categories, she said, is the Mr. NACHS and Mrs. NACHS competition. Only dogs who were adopted from the local shelter can compete for those titles.

Other categories include:

• Cutest puppy (puppies must be less than 6 months old)

• Best smile

• Best tail wag

• Most talented

• Best owner look-alike

• Best dressed

• Best singer

• Most handsome male

• Most beautiful female

• Mr. NACHS

• Mrs. NACHS

Each contest has an entry fee of $2.

Admission to the event is $5 for adults and $1 for children.

All proceeds go to the shelter. Fitch said Bark in the Park is the NACHS’ largest fundraising event.

Along with allowing dogs to strut their stuff, Tanksley said the event is hosted to promote awareness about the shelter and raise money for its cause. Along with donations, concessions, raffles and T-shirts sold at the event will help raise funds.

Of course, the competition among dog owners will serve as one of the main attractions.

“It’s a fun day,” Tanksley said. “You’ve got cute little dogs running around with crowns or tutus. You have dogs doing tricks for agility competitions. Some people put costumes together. It may even be something simple like the dog and the owner wearing (New Orleans) Saints’ jerseys. People like to show their dog off, and that’s what we like to see, too.”

NACHS representatives will also have dogs — and a few kittens — from the shelter available for adoption.