Barks by the Bay a dog lover’s dream

By Linda Horn

TRENTON ON (28/05/2011) Gus the Great Dane checks out 10-week-old Jack Russell named Puppy, as Gus's owner (Taylor Cole) looks on. Puppy and Gus were taking part of Barks by the Bay, a celebration of the family dog. This is the fifth year the event has been held in Trenton. Photo by Linda Horn

Every dog had its day at Trenton’s Barks By The Bay last weekend.

Dogs of every shape and size brought their owners to Hanna Park in Trenton on Saturday.

“Barks By The Bay is a festival dedicated to the family dog. It is a day to say we love you,” said event organizer Karen Jones.

Hanna Park was transformed into a dog lovers’ dream. The event included vendors, free parking, free admission, and free contests. Participants also enjoyed guest speakers, and demonstrations by the Hot Diggity Dogs fly ball club.

This is the fifth year that Barks By The Bay has been held, always on the last Saturday of May.

Jones got the idea to start the doggie event during the grand opening of the Kinsmen Community Dog Park in Trenton. She went to city council with the idea and the event approved. It is a fully city-sanctioned event.

“Each year it is getting bigger it is my full-time job all year round. Right now it runs on a $60 dollar vendor fee but for next year we will be working on getting sponsors,” said Jones.

Carol Keegan a Trenton resident, has been going to the canine festival since it began

“I like the socialization, getting to see new dog products, learning of new things for my dog. Buying new products for my dog,” said Keegan.

“It is a good way to meet people,” said Marie Trembley also a Trenton resident and this is the second time she has attended the festival.