Furry friends from all walks of life are invited to attend the fourth annual Bark at the Park 5K race and 1-mile dog walk on Sept 7. 

Helping Young Professionals Engage (HYPE) chairwoman Anna Beth Ivey said Bark at the Park helps support a cause but also gives the community a reason to meet new four-legged friends.

“You can participate in both the 5K and walk or just one,” Ivey said. “There will be three community representatives to judge the dog walk and choose a winner for best costume and who looks most like their owner.” 

There will also be an opportunity for the community to adopt a new companion. The Humane Society will have its adoption mobile parked for those looking to adopt a dog at the event. 

“The community is really working on making sure we all adopt,” Ivey said. “We hope to help get more people in the community to come out in the morning and inspire them to adopt. The community awareness is huge.” 

The 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Granger Park and go through the “flower streets,” according to Ivey.  Additionally, dogs are also invited to participate in the race as well. 

“We are really excited about it, and it has grown every single year,” Ivey said. “There will be an award for all age brackets [for the 5K] and if you register ahead of time you will get a matching dog bandana with your shirt.” 

The presenting sponsor for the 5K/dog walk will be Thornton and Graham and all proceeds will benefit the LaGrange-Troup Humane Society. 

Registration for the 5K begins at 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for the dog walk. The fee for ages 18 and under and 65 and over is $15 by Aug. 27. For 18 and over and 65 and under, the cost is $30. All dogs must be leashed and current on vaccinations. 

“We are just excited to have everyone come out and support a great cause,” Ivey said. 

“Who doesn’t want to meet a gazillion new dogs?” 

To register for the event, go to barkatthepark.itsyourrace.com.