The annual celebration of all things dogs is back and better than ever after a COVID hiatus last year. The 23rd annual BARKtoberfest, hosted by Friends for Life Animal Rescue, is this Saturday, Oct. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There is a change in venue this year, BARKtoberfest will take place as a block party-style event at the Friends for Life Adoption Center, 952 W. Melody Ave. in Gilbert, with the lure and agility courses taking place at the rescue's "Scentral Park."
This year's event features 65 vendor booths, 16 food trucks, a dog wash, contests (best costume, best trick, etc.) raffle prizes, lure course, agility course, dog adoptions and the Friends for Life alumni dogs parade at 9 a.m. Admission is free, however, some activities may require a donation.
BARKtoberfest is the largest single-day fundraiser annually benefiting Friends for Life Animal Rescue and typically attracts 7,000 to 10,000 dogs and their human companions. This year's presenting sponsor is Dogs 24/7.
Founded in 1993, Friends for Life is a registered 501c3, non-profit animal rescue organization, focusing on rescuing stray cats and dogs and placing them with loving forever families. The rescue also focuses on spay and neuter education. For more information on Friends for Life, visit www.azfriends.org.
