It’s time to celebrate spring and let our furry friends socialize a bit — all for a very worthy cause.

The Butler County Humane Society’s semi-annual Bark in the Park brings its Spring Fling to Greenville’s Confederate Park Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“Bark in the Park started out as a fundraising tool a few years ago and now it has become a real social event for animal lovers,” said event organizer Kimberly Matthews. “We have new people who turn up each time and we want this to be our biggest event ever.”

Hometown talents including Caleb Luckie are slated to perform, and concessions including hot dogs will be available for purchase, “but you can also bring your own picnic lunch,” Matthews said.

A “Donation Station” will be set up for attendees to drop off much-needed items for the BCHS’s Second Chance Rescue and its satellite foster pet parents, with bleach, new and gently used collars and leashes and puppy and kitten food among the items requested.

As always, the afternoon will feature the big Bark in the Park Pet Parade around the park, with canines vying for prizes in the Pet Contest.
“We have a prize for every pet entered, with one special dog winning our grand prize,” said Matthews.

There is a $5 entry fee per pet entered. Costumes for the canines are welcome, but not required.

Attendees will have opportunities to get their photos made with  their pets, browse among flea market finds and great pet-themed gift items and to participate in raffles for valuable gift cards. BCHS calendars, t-shirts and more will also be available at the event.

“The weather forecast for Sunday is good and we are looking forward to a fun day with our furry friends, so come on out and join us,” said Matthews.

For more information, contact Kimberly Matthews at 334-376-2620 or (334) 437-2150.