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On Saturday, Oct. 29, the seventh annual Bark in the Park returns to Granger Park. The dog-friendly walk, is sponsored by Thornton & Graham and Helping Young Professionals Engage (HYPE) — which started the event six years ago as a way to raise funds for the Troup County Humane Society.

According to HYPE committee member Jenna Eady, participants don’t have to have a dog to participate in the walk. However, those who do can opt to run/walk with their dogs in the one-mile dog walk.

After the walk, a contest is held for dog owners to win prizes for “best dressed” and “looks most like your dog” — all of which will be judged by three local dog lovers.

All dogs must be on leashes and current on vaccinations.

“The Humane Society usually always brings out their mobile dog truck filled with adoptable dogs on site,” Eady said.

Two years ago, HYPE decided to have the event closer to Halloween.

“We switched it to Halloween during the COVID- 19 pandemic because we were waiting for things to kind of settle down and things like that,” Eady said.  “For the last few years, doing it on Halloween weekend has been really successful.”

Eady said Bark in the Park is the organization’s biggest fundraising event of the year. The organization is currently working to make the 5K part of the Peachtree Qualifier, according to Eady.

“We had a really great turnout for the 5k and then we had an even bigger turnout for the dog walk, which is really exciting,” Eady said. “I love seeing all the dogs and everyone come out, and the 5k is fun because some people walk it, and some people take it really seriously. A lot of people bring their kids out because it’s a fun event right before Halloween.”

Donations are welcomed and can be dropped off at the Chamber office.

“This event impacts the community by helping raise money to prevent animal cruelty, the suffering of animals, enhance animal welfare and help spay and neuter animals throughout the community,” Eady said.

To be guaranteed a t-shirt, participants have to be registered by Monday, Oct. 10. Registration for the 5K will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the race will begin promptly at 9 a.m. Registration for the dog-friendly walk will start at 9:30 a.m. and the walk will begin at 10 a.m. Registration through 10/7 is $25 per person. Registration after Oct. 7 is $35 a person and no t-shirt is guaranteed.