The annual Bark in the Park will be held Sunday, Oct. 2, from 1-5 p.m. at the Jackson County Recreation Complex in Cullowhee.

Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association and the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department are sponsoring this event in conjunction with the American Kennel Club’s Responsible Dog Ownership Day.

The event will include demos in agility, obedience, freestyle dance and disc (frisbee) dogs. Carting and gun dog demonstrations are also on the agenda.

The first 75 kids attending will receive free gift bags and all kids will have a chance to sign up to run the agility course with no dog — best time and accuracy will win.

New this year: representatives from the National Canine Cancer Foundation will be present with a great selection of doggie items for sale, all for a good cause.  

To encourage all dog owners to clean up after their pets, there will again be a “Poop Bag Raffle.” Sign the pledge to be a “responsible dog owner” and to “Leave Nothing But Paw Prints,” get free poop bags (donated by poopbags.com) and you will be eligible to win a raffle basket.

Admission is free. Bleacher seating is available, or bring a chair.