Big Bend Barkfest Hosts Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
 Barkfest,
as the name implies, will be a celebration of dogs, by dogs. From the
opening ceremony featuring a parade of formerly homeless dogs proudly
marching with their loving masters to the whimsical wiener dog races,
this event will showcase Big Bend Area “dog people” and their best
friends for an entire Spring day of fun.
Born in the heart and mind of Norm Griggs, a local veterinarian, the
Barkfest event, with the capable assistance of over twenty dedicated
dog lovers, has developed into an event that people won’t want to miss.
“For about six months our core group has worked hundreds of hours
developing and polishing our concept,” explained Dr. Griggs, Barkfest
President. “We intend to host an event that will be wholesome, family
fun, educational, and for a nominal attendance cost.”
The idea for the festival was partially born out of the tragedy of a
catastrophic outbreak of canine distemper at the Wakulla County Animal
Shelter this past summer. Many dogs needlessly lost their lives
because they were never properly vaccinated by their owners.
 “We
have dedicated the profits from our event to be used exclusively to
benefit the health and comfort needs of homeless dogs throughout our
area,” offered Dr. Griggs. “If this festival is a success, we are
certain to touch many lives, both dog owners through education, and
homeless dogs through direct medical support. Everyone wins!”
The event will be staged on the grounds of Wakulla High School with
most of the dog events in the football stadium. There are plans for
demonstrations of many varieties of service dogs. Police dogs will
demonstrate their apprehension and tracking ability. Search and rescue
dogs and their handlers will demonstrate their life saving skills.
Bloodhounds, cadaver searching dogs as well as drug detecting dogs will
be part of the service dog show.
An electrifying demonstration of Jack Russell Terrier racing will
follow, featuring one of Wakulla’s own; current national champion
terrier “Heartbreaker”, owned and trained by Travis Hallman of
Woodville. We expect to have canine agility, fly ball, Frisbee and
other exciting demonstrations sure to please and entertain our
audience. In addition, local retrieving dog enthusiasts will get a
chance to demonstrate their skill and drive to please their owners and
the crowd.
“The single event that excites me the most would have to be the
Wiener Dog Races,” noted Petra Shuff, vice president of Big Bend
Barkfest, Inc. “Wiener races are universal crowd favorites, and we are
inviting everyone with a Dachshund to enter their dog in the races.”
Barkfest is also seeking entrants for a grand fashion contest, best dog trick and even possibly an “Ugly Dog” contest.
Says Barkfest secretary Melissa Starbuck, “We are here to show off
dogs, celebrate the human-animal bond and thereby allow these more
fortunate dogs to assist their homeless friends in finding permanent,
loving homes.”
The Big Bend Barkfest plans to please. You will definitely want to
be there for the inaugural festival and return next year for more fun.
Until then, if you wish to learn more, please visit BigBendBarkfest.com on the web. We hope to see you there, Saturday, March 6, 2010.
This information originally published on December 30, 2009.
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