A newly revamped Bark in the Park is heading to the Camellia City’s Confederate Park on Saturday, September 23, courtesy of the Butler County Humane Society.

The event, now called Bark in the Park and Family Fun Day, kicks off at noon and runs until 4 p.m.

“We’ve moved the event from Sunday to Saturday and expanded it to include more activities for kids and families. We also have some vendors who will be there with their products and information,” says Kimberly  Matthews, event chair.

New to the event: face painting and a fun sidewalk chalk art contest.

“The face painting will be free and available from opening until around 3 p.m. We also invite all our young artists to create their art—we will supply the chalk–and the three top drawings chosen will earn prizes,” Matthews says. The art contest judging will take place at 2:30 p.m.

Also new to BiTP this year is the addition of a bouncy house/slide. “The kids can come and play to their heart’s content for just $5 per child. And Serv-Pro is bringing some fun games that both kids and adults can play that afternoon.”

Another vendor planning to participate is Danan Whiddon of Sweet Heart Alabama. She will be bringing her charming vintage Airstream, Towanda, her unique “shop on wheels” featuring her logo casual wear, natural health products, jewelry, essential oils and much more.

“I am so excited about being part of Bark in the Park for the first time. I love animals and I love downtown Greenville and the chance to meet new people–so this is great,” says Whiddon.

Returning to BiTP is the ever-popular pet parade and contest, set for 3 p.m.  The entry fee is $5 per dog entered, and all those who want their canines to participate need to be there to register their pets at least 30 minutes before the parade, Matthew says.

“We always come up with these wonderful categories like ‘Best Polka Dots’ and ‘Biggest Diva’ for the dogs, and each and every one of them will receive a prize. The dog judged ‘Best All Around’ will get to take home the grand prize, a gift-filled basket.”

DJ Major Delay of the Cumulus Broadcasting System in Montgomery is slated to be on hand to spin the platters and serve as emcee for the contests.

Concessions will be available for purchase, including pizza, chips, nachos, hot dogs, soft drinks and water, plus refreshing shaved ice.

“We want to extend thanks ahead of time to our sponsors—Coca-Cola, Super Foods, Pizza Hut and Golden Flake—who donate the food and fixings for our concession every year,” Matthews says.

Bark in the Park and Family Fun Day is about more than raising funds for a worthy cause, she adds.

“This is a way to bring people and their pets out on a Saturday afternoon to mix and mingle and get a chance to socialize; for the kids to get some fresh air and have fun and be creative—and for everyone to have the chance to learn more about what we do as a humane society in the county,” Matthews says.

“So bring your lawn chairs, blankets and quilts and join us that Saturday for a fun afternoon in the park.”

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