PAWSITIVELY FALL FUN: BARKTOBERFEST 2022

Pawsitively Fall Fun

Pensacola Humane Society’s Annual Barktoberfest

by Darien Hardy

October is the time of year for crisp cool weather, pumpkins, tricks, treats and everything in between, but for the Pensacola Humane Society (PHS), October is also a time to celebrate and support all our favorite furry friends. Join PHS this Halloween for one of the area’s favorite pet friendly festivals and mega adoption events: Barktoberfest at the Community Maritime Park.

The Pensacola Humane Society organizes and hosts Barktoberfest each year as part of its annual fundraising efforts to help support and raise awareness of its mission. This year’s Barktoberfest event will be held Sunday, October 30 at the Community Maritime Park located at 301 W. Main Street in downtown Pensacola. The event will feature a selection of tasty foods and beverages from a variety of local vendors and food trucks, as well as PHS vendor information, adoption booths, pet-centric boutiques, multiple pet businesses, local veterinarians, fun pet accessories and more. “We will host a variety of contests, small dog races, local food trucks, pet-centric vendors, fun merchandise, and so much more. Everyone planning to attend should expect this to be a howlin’ good time,” Fischer said. A series of fun pet contests will also be held as part of this year’s festivities starting at 11 am on the amphitheater stage. There will be both a morning and an afternoon session, with the afternoon session beginning at 2 pm. The obedience and agility demonstrations, along with the “Moose’s Mutter Speedway” small dog race, are always a big hit for pets and pet parents alike. The popularity of the costume contests has grown over the years so the PHS will be continuing the tradition and adding in other fun contests such as a pie eating and a food tasting contest. The food tasting contest will be judged by a team of local first responders. This year’s pet contests are generously sponsored by StepOne Automotive. Additionally, the always

popular Barktoberfest T-shirts will be available for purchase throughout the park with proceeds benefiting the PHS. Event festivities also include music and live entertainment. The Five Flags Dog Training Club has coordinated the ever-popular “demo ring,” and will host special performances and other demonstrations along with other local dog trainers. This Barktoberfest event is to promote community education and outreach and serves as one of three major fundraisers and adoption events of the year for the Society. The PHS also invites other area animal welfare organizations to join the event for adoptions and fundraising of their own. This year’s Barktoberfest “Presenting Pawtner’’ is the Pensacola Ice Flyers. Last year, the PHS received support from 20 different sponsors, and according to Fischer, the organization is on track to hit that same number with room for even more. We are still taking applications for new sponsors and look forward to answering any questions any potential partners may have. All questions and inquiries should be directed to our Community Event Coordinator,” Fischer explained. All members of the community are invited to attend Barktoberfest on Sunday, October 30 from 10 am to 4 pm at the Community Maritime Park. Barktoberfest is a free community event, however donations will be accepted. All dogs attending the event should always remain on a leash. Visit pensacolahumane.org or follow @pensacolahumane on Facebook and Instagram for complete event details.