It will be a day dedicated to all things dog.

The first annual Bark in the Park, sponsored by the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown, will be held Saturday, Aug. 26 at Riverview Park.

“It’s a community outreach event,” said ARL Director Shelly Deal. “It’s a day for fun and education.”

The festivities will kick-off with a 5k dog walk/run on the bike trail by the tennis courts, beginning at 10 a.m. People may register from 9-9:45 a.m. the day of the race, or anytime leading up by dropping in at the ARL. The cost per team is $20 and a team may consist of one person and up to two dogs, or two people and one dog. Attendees may participate without a canine as well.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Pet Fair will be in progress, featuring local pet-related organizations including the ARL, Diamond in the Ruff and the Heart of Iowa Kennel Club.

Animal Clinic-The Vet will offer pet microchipping, at a reduced price. Happy Tails will offer nail trimming and ear cleaning for $5 each. Various afternoon presenters will give demonstrations and offer tips about training, grooming and keeping dogs safe and happy.

At 11:25 a.m. will be a presentation by Man’s Best Friend; at 11:50 a.m. Lost & Finned; 12:15 p.m. will be the K-9 Trust & Obey Dog Training; 12:40 p.m. will be Marshalltown Police K-9 Unit; 1:05 p.m. will be custom K-9 training (behavior modification).

“I wanted to offer these sessions because we get so many dogs surrendered to us because of issues with potty training and chewing things they shouldn’t,” Deal said. “But there are professionals like the people we are bringing in to this event that can help with these behaviors. We see many dogs not getting microchipped or groomed.”

Marshalltown Police Department Sgt. Tom Watson will speak about how the MPD trains and uses dogs for police business.

The Marshall County Pork Producers will be selling a burger, chip, cookie and bottled water meal for $5, starting at 11:30 a.m.

“The ARL will be having a bake sale, and we’ll offer treats for humans and dogs,” Deal added.

Free activities for kids will include face painting, a picture booth, and a cut and color activity to create dog and cat masks. A $1 cake walk with prizes will also be available for youth.

“This will be a yearly event, and I want to invite new people each year and offer some new things,” Deal said.

Bringing lawn chairs and blankets is encouraged. For more information, contact the ARL at: 641-753-9046.

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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at 641-753-6611 or sjordan@timesrepublican.com