PETS SOON TO BE STRUTTING THEIR STUFF DOGS READY TO BARK IN THE PARK.

Byline: JIM SKEEN Staff Writer

LANCASTER -- Lancaster is gearing up for its annual Bark at the Park event, which allows dogs to strut their stuff while showing their human companions different activities they can enjoy with their pets.

The event will be held from 10a.m. to 5p.m. Oct.7 at Lancaster City Park, 43011 10th St. West.

Admission is free.

Bark at the Park will include a pet costume contest, a Frisbee competition, a human-pet look-alike contest, and even a singing contest for musically inclined pooches.

Other attractions include a live auction, hound and human interactive games, food, vendors, specialty guests and more.

``The city has hosted Bark at the Park for over 10 years and is proud to promote responsible dog ownership,'' Vice Mayor Ed Sileo said.

Polite, leashed dogs with up-to-date vaccinations are welcome, organizers said. No retractable leashes will be allowed.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lancaster Animal Shelter.

Last year's event raised $1,500.

Other activities include agility demonstrations, canine good-citizen tests, a CaninEnstein test to measure a dog's IQ, and a trick contest.

``It started as a small Frisbee dog competition and grew into a daylong event,'' said Carole Kelly, chairwoman of this year's organizing committee.

The event will also include a splash dog demonstration in which dogs jump into a pool. For $10, owners can let their dogs practice their diving skills too. The money will be refunded if a dog decides against taking a splash.

Also performing will be Kyra Sundance, whose Weimaraner, Chalcy, has appeared with Jay Leno on ``The Tonight Show.''

For more information about the event, go online to lancasterbarkatthepark.org or call recreation program coordinator Patricia Funes at 723-6072.

james.skeen@dailynews

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CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Jim Safford and his 11-year-old heeler cross, Karch, give a Frisbee demonstration Tuesday at a news conference for the Bark at the Park event at Lancaster City Park. The event is Oct. 7

(2) Jim Safford and Karch give a Frisbee demonstration for the Bark at the Park event, which will be held from 10a.m. to 5p.m. Oct.7 at Lancaster City Park. Admission is free.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer