COLD LAKE - On Aug. 10, the Lakeland Humane Society hosted its annual Bark in the Park event, drawing in families, pet lovers, and community members for a day filled with fun activities, all in support of the shelter.
The event featured an array of attractions, including a vendor alley, nail trims for pets, a kids' zone, a pet costume contest, live music, and more.
"Bark in the Park was started by the Lakeland Humane Society years ago, and we do it annually. It's just for the shelter in general. We invite the public to come out and spend the day here with the staff, meet the animals, have some fun, and it's a good way for us to get donations this way," says Danielle Donovan, Executive Director of the Lakeland Humane Society.
This year’s event was made possible through financial support from sponsors in the community that covered the cost of supplies, allowing all proceeds from the event to go directly to the Lakeland Humane Society. As a result, everything raised was pure profit, helping the shelter in its mission to care for animals in need.
The event, now in its seventh year, continues to grow in popularity.
"Every year it's getting bigger and bigger," Donovan says.
She highlighted the range of activities available for attendees, from kids' games and activities to a beer garden and live performances by Bonfire Moon and Cold Brew Band.
Beyond the festivities, Bark in the Park serves as an important platform for the shelter to connect with the community and raise awareness about animal welfare.
"I want people to come out and visit us more often. We're trying to get more foot traffic in the shelter and we're trying to open up our doors here for this to be a bit more family-friendly place for people to come," Donovan says.
She also emphasizes the critical situation shelters across Alberta are facing, with high intakes and low adoptions.
Visitors like Karma Papineau were eager to join in on the fun and support the cause.
"I wanted to see other pets, because I love animals, and I wanted to come here for fun and to get out of the house," Papineau shares. "You're helping the Humane Society, and you get to see other puppies and dogs."
The event “brings everybody together, and people meet new people, make new friends, it's a trickle effect," Donovan reflects. She also expresses gratitude for the community's continued support.
