By Devonte Demby/The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Natchez dog lovers gathered Saturday to see a few mutts strut their stuff.

Bark in the Park, an annual fundraiser for the Natchez-Adams County Humane Society, celebrating its 22nd anniversary, drew dozens of participants and spectators to a warm Grand Village of the Natchez Indians.

Event Chairwoman, Deanne Tanksley said preparing for this year’s event was harder than one would imagine.

“It takes an army to do this,” Tanksley said. “I probably should have started a lot sooner.”

From “cutest puppy” to “Mr. and Miss NACHS,” the four-legged creatures got to shine on a special day designed for them.

“Cutest puppy” was the first of 11 contests and Mason Thorpe’s dog, Buddy, took the title.

“I’m just happy,” Thorpe said.

Thorpe’s grandmother, Alice Thorpe, attended the event for the first time.

“This is just the most fun,” Alice said.

Buddy is a toy poodle who graced the Bark in the Park event with a blue flower shirt.

“It was the only one that could fit him,” Thorpe said.

Natchez newcomer Kyle Ensuy entered his dog, Boomer, in the best trick category.

“I’ve had him for about two years and taught him to play dead, sit pretty, and give a high five,” Ensuy said.

Proceeds raised from gate and contest entrance fees will be used to fund operations at the NACHS.

Trophies were awarded to the winners in the following categories.

Cutest puppy

•First place: Buddy, owner Mason Thorpe

Most handsome

•First place: Cooper, owner Deborah Byrne

•Second place: Deuce, owner Paxton Kaiser

•Third place: Papi, owner Ruth Williams

Most beautiful

•First place: Addy, owner Caroline Lowe

•Second place: Rivers, owner Deborah Byrne

•Third place: Molly, owner Norah Newman

Owner look-a-like

• First place: Charlie, owner Deedee Dale

•Second place: Addy, owner Caroline Lowe

•Third place: Miss Priss, owner Melinda Breand

Best trick

•First place: Boomer, owner Reagan Ensuy

•Second place: Lucy, owner Faith Brown

•Third place: Addy, owner Caroline Lowe

Best dressed

• First place: Papi, owner Ruth Williams

•Second place: Andy, owner Maureen Corcoran

•Third place: Buddy, owner Mason Thorpe

Best smile

•May, owner Susan Ketching

Best tail wag

•Gizmo, owner Danielle Lyles

Best singer

•Deuce, owner Paxton Kaiser

Ms. NACHS

•Toodles, owner Mark McCann

Mr. NACHS

•Charlie, owner Darlene Moon