The 37th annual Bark in the Park Festival will be all about the dogs, but humans are welcome to come, too.
Humane Society London & Middlesex (HSLM)’s biggest annual fundraising event is a day jam-packed with activities for pups of all ages, shapes, and sizes. There will be dock diving, an off-leash dog pond, and an agility course.
For the dog-lovers, there will be a silent auction, food and products vendors, a kids area, and more.
The festival will also feature live performances by London’s Ultimutts Stunt Dog Show, in which rescued animals perform skills from handstands and backflips to riding a skateboard and playing a piano.
“It’s amazing what Melissa does with these dogs, or what the dogs do with Melissa to teach her how to work with them. Their talents are just off the charts and all the dogs she uses have great stories behind them,” HSLM Executive Director Steve Ryall said of the Ultimutts Stunt Dog Show. “I’m just so proud that my dog sits when I give him a treat and this dog is riding a bicycle or walking on a high-wire.”
Cruisin’ Paws Agility will also have a performance on the agility course. Their trainers will be available at the festival to help test other dogs’ agility skills on their equipment.
“HSLM requires significant funding this year as they continue their capital campaign to build their new home,” said a statement from the organization.
In the fall of 2024, HSLM will move to 1414 Dundas St. The “Old Oak Animal Campus” will be able to house up to 400 animals at a time, more than double the capacity of the current location on Clarke Road.
Bark in the Park takes place Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Plunkett Estate in southwest London. The venue is located at 9282 Elviage Drive.
Admission is $20 per vehicle and includes parking.
“Buy online, it’s much faster to get in if you buy your ticket in advance,” Ryall advised.
