U. SAUCON TWP., Pa. \u2013 Man\u2019s best friend will take center stage during a two-day event in Lehigh County.<\/p>\n
Barktoberfest, featuring dog dock diving competitions, visiting animal shelters, pet-related vendors, pet costume contests and more, will be held Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18, at Promenade Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township.<\/p>\n
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WFMZ-TV | Grace Griffaton<\/p>\n
On Oct. 17, from 4 to 8 p.m., guests will enjoy a Dock Dogs Preview Night where the community is encouraged to challenge their well-mannered dogs to give dock diving a try.<\/p>\n
No experience is necessary, and dogs of all shapes, sizes, breeds and ages (above six months) are welcome; registration is required<\/a> to participate.<\/p>\n Dock diving, presented by Dock Dogs, will be held between Old Navy and Barnes & Noble.<\/p>\n On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees and their furry friends will enjoy a second day filled with exciting activities, including more dock diving (pre-registration is required<\/a>).<\/p>\n They also can simply watch the competition from the sidelines or visit with a variety of local pet-related businesses and animal shelters throughout the day.<\/p>\n WFMZ-TV<\/p>\n Various other activities and special treats will be offered throughout the center:<\/p>\n In between The Bowl Fountain and Town Square:<\/p>\n In The Breezeway (next to Brooks Brothers):<\/p>\n 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Get a fun, hand-drawn portrait of your pup by Harringtoon’s Live Caricatures, free to take home.<\/p>\n At The Gazebo:<\/p>\n At The Patio:<\/p>\n At Town Square:<\/p>\n 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: DJ entertainment<\/p>\n 11 a.m.: Pet Costume Contest. Help share the warmth by donating a coat or donating at least $1 to the Share the Warmth Campaign to participate in the costume contest. Top three winners awarded a special prize.<\/p>\n 1 p.m.: K9 Officer demonstration<\/p>\n At AMC Theatres:<\/p>\n At SmARTivities Showcase:<\/p>\n In front of Elite Salon Suites:<\/p>\n Roaming entertainment:<\/p>\n Character visits from A Storybook Party:<\/p>\n 11 a.m. to noon: Bluey & Bingo<\/p>\n Noon to 1p.m.: Paw Patrol<\/p>\n 1-2 p.m.: Cruella de Vil<\/p>\n Ron Albanese: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.<\/p>\n Party Animals Balloon Twisting: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.<\/p>\n Throughout the two-day Barktoberfest event, guests can spend quality time with their leashed, well-behaved dogs in the center\u2019s common areas as well as inside the center\u2019s “dog-friendly” stores.<\/p>\n Registration and a participation fee are required to take part in Dock Dogs competitions.<\/p>\n Competitions include:<\/p>\n Big Air, a \u201clong jump for dogs.\u201d The dog, which may be placed anywhere on the 40\u2032 dock, runs and jumps into the water after a throw toy (provided by the handler) is tossed. The distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail set of the dog breaks the water\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n Extreme Vertical, a \u201chigh jump for dogs.\u201d The dog starts off at the 20\u2019 mark on the dock & jumps up to grab a bumper toy extended out 8\u2019 from the end of the dock over the water. The starting height for Extreme Vertical is 4\u20196\u201d & goes up in 2\u201d increments as competition progresses.<\/p>\n Speed Retrieve, a \u201ctimed event.\u201d At the far end of the pool a bumper toy is suspended 2\u201d above the water with a starting indicator light above it. The dog is then placed at the 20\u2019 white starting mark on the dock, when the light turns green the handler releases the dog, the time clock stops when the dog has pulled the toy from the Speed Retrieve bracket.<\/p>\n To register, visit dockdogs.com\/event\/barktoberfest-4\/<\/a>. Attending the event is free of charge and open to the public; no pre-registration is required to attend.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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