Cadence Bank presents 'Bark in the Park'

Cadence Bank President Darrin Sparks and Shelter Dog, Winnie, eagerly anticipate Bark in the Park.

Cadence Bank is sponsoring the area's most exciting dog extravaganza, Bark in the Park, to raise funds for the Humane Society's Mountain Shelter (HSMS) on Saturday, June16, at both Meeks Park and at the Union County Dog Park in Blairsville.

The 5k "Run for Rover" and 1k "Kids for Canines" people races begin at 8 a.m. near pavilion #4 in Meeks Park. After the awards ceremony the festivities switch across Highway 515 to the Union County Dog Park, adjacent to North Georgia Tech, where Pup Strut, the pledge/dog walkathon, will begin at 10 a.m. and will pit teams of dogs and their owners against one another as they vie to raise the largest amount of pledges for the Shelter.

In addition to the races, dogs and their owners can compete for prizes in the Pet/Owner Look-a-like, Trick, Best Costume, Biggest/Smallest and the Water Sick Retrieval contests. Cadence employees will choose the "Best in Show Dog."

The HSMS will raise funds at the festival by offering 1/2 price microchipping and adoptable dogs. The Doggie Bistro will sell food, with treats available for the dogs. GlamFur Pet Photos, raffles for great door prizes, the Annual Dog Blessing and vendors will make the day complete.

"Animals give us so much. If we take time to look, listen and feel, any animal can broaden our horizons and make us better human beings. We proudly support Bark in the Park and the outstanding efforts of the local Humane Society, its staff and volunteers," said Cadence President Darrin Sparks.

Pre-registration for the 1k and 5k runs is $20 per person, $25 the day of the race. Race and pledge registration forms can be found on the official website, www.brodi.net/pupstrut and the shelter website www.iadoptapet.org as well as at Cadence Bank, The Blairsville and Hiawassee Thriftstores, the Shelter or by calling 706-781-3843.