1st Fridays Art Walk: Bark in the Park
Get ready for a PET-ACULAR Art Walk (or shall we say "ARF Walk") as Fairfield's four-legged friends and their owners hit the streets for the 3rd annual "Bark in the Park" Art Walk. There will be plenty of tail-wagging good fun as dogs and other lovable pets and their owner’s parade in their costumes, Friday August 6th. This colorful, crowd-pleasing event is sponsored by 1st Fridays Art Walk and Noah’s Ark Pet Sanctuary, MidWest One Bank & Dr. Bill Pollack.
“Bark in the Park has become one of the most endearing Art Walks,” according to Betsy Howland, event coordinator. “Last year’s pet parade drew out a record number of owners & their pets as well as some very creative costumes.”
Registration for the parade starts at 5:30 pm in southwest corner of square, and the parade begins at 7:00 pm. Categories to be judged include best costume, Pet/owner lookalike, and cutest dog. Winners in all categories will be announced at 8:30 p.m. The Pet Parade provides wholesome fun and entertainment for the entire family, whether they are participating or watching the spectacle from the sidelines. Leashes are required and a $5 entry fee will be charged for each pet entered in the parade. Prize baskets donated by local merchants and ribbons will be awarded to the parade champions. After the parade, dog owners can check out pet blessings, clicker training, the animal communicator, pet masseuse and vendors with dog related items.
On the North East corner of Central Park, "Finnie the wonder dog" will be returning to show off her agility talents. Finnie is a 7 year old Patterdale terrier who has been training in agility for 3 ½ years. Finnie will be demonstrating her talents in the agility ring by negotiating tunnels, jumping, weaving through poles and navigating other obstacles. Another great addition this year will be one of the most exciting dog sports that exists; Jack Russell terrier racing, starting at 6:00 pm. Jack Russell terriers from all over the area have been invited to participate in this action packed event. They are fast, competitive and absolutely hilarious.
And of course, like every 1st Fridays Art Walk, families will enjoy lots of food, vendor booths, entertainment, and more throughout the evening. The Fairfield Lions Club will be on the west side of the square with their watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew melon. Children's activities this month include pin the tail on the dog, a dog lapping contest, a barking contest and a wienie bobbing contest for the dogs. The Girl Scouts will be back with their Dunk Tank and the Fairfield Dance and Drill Team will show off their new drill during intermission. The girls will also be hosting some fun activities for the older kids on the South East corner of the square.
Bring your lawn chairs and see some of the zaniest pet and human costumes while enjoying some great music. Fairfield’s own Community Band will play on the square from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, followed by the dance tunes of Blue Cat Alley from 7:30 – 10 pm. “We are so excited to be part of this Art Walk,” commented Mark Soth of Blue Cat Alley. “It’s so much fun to see everyone walking the square with their four legged best friends!”
Register for Pet Parade
|
The 1st Friday Art Walk is one of Southeast Iowa’s premier arts events. Each month, art galleries and businesses in historic Downtown Fairfield open their doors with special art exhibitions, performances, live music, food and much more. During the summer months, there is an excitement in the air as the historic square comes alive with creativity and fun!