Airdrie Foothills Kiwanis is returning for its second Bark in the Park Dog Olympics fundraiser at Nose Creek Park on June 1.
According to former Airdrie Kiwanis president Nancy Wigglesworth, Airdrie residents can attend for free and can expect a fun day of heartwarming activities and fun events with their furry friends.
Community members enter their dogs into specific challenges such as the obedience challenge, agility course, talent show, and fashion show, and all funds raised from the event are directed to children in need and Jake the Trauma Dog program, said Wigglesworth.
Jake is a dog who has helped countless children with trauma in Airdrie, and Wigglesworth said Kiwanis uses the proceeds to help pay for his veterinarian bills and food costs.
Wigglesworth said 30 dog-related businesses will be present at the Bark in the Park event, and some clothing brands will be attending as well.
The event is also open to entrepreneurs, investors, and students in technology and innovation to learn from experts in the industry according to Wigglesworth. Multiple keynote speakers will also speak on how our furry friends communicate with us or how to train dogs with children at the event.
“Last year was our first event and we didn't have all these speakers as we do this year, so we've expanded this year and we hopefully will expand again next year,” says Wigglesworth.
Kiwanis hopes the Bark in the Park event will become an annual tradition for the dog lovers of Airdrie to show off their best friends in action and competition.
“Watching the children's faces and the ones who have their dogs in the Olympics was so cute,” said Wigglesworth; “that was the fun part for me.”
Dogs can be registered for $20.00 on abarkinthepark.ca
