The Park at Harlinsdale Farm is the place to be starting at noon on Saturday, Oct. 15 when Barktoberfest returns for its eighth year. The all-day event ends at 5 p.m.
Eleven-thousand participants were at the event last year, and organizers say it’s going to be even bigger and better this year. Made possible through an arrangement with the City of Franklin Parks, attendees can expect a lot of new this year including more free parking areas to ensure a smooth entrance for all, an arts & crafts bazaar, food trucks, live music, a kids carnival, pet adoptions, canine agility demonstrations and more. But the costume contests take the cake!
WHAT TO KNOW:
• The Howl-O-Ween contests take place on the main stage for humans and pooches where everyone competes for more than $5,000 in prizes. (Costume contest is $15 per entry, per contest).
DIFFERENT CONTESTS INCLUDE:
Kids’ Costume Contest
2:30 p.m. (with or without a dog). For kids ages 3 – 12 on the main stage with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
Dogs-Only Contest
4 p.m. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, plus a Runners Up.
Dog + Human Contest
4:30 p.m. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, plus a Runners Up.
Admission is free to the rain-or-shine event. Harlinsdale Farm is at 239 Franklin Road in Franklin. Learn more at tnbarktoberfest.com.