CENTER VALLEY, Pa. – Man’s best friend will take center stage at an inaugural event being held later this month at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley.
The two-day Barktoberfest, featuring dog dock diving competitions, visiting animal shelters, pet-related businesses and more, will be held Oct. 20 and 21 at the Upper Saucon Township shopping center’s outdoor Patio.
On Oct. 20, from 4 to 8 p.m., guests will enjoy a Dock Dogs Preview Night where the community is encouraged to challenge their well-mannered dogs to give dock diving a try.
No experience is necessary, and dogs of all shapes, sizes, breeds and ages (above six months) are welcome; registration is required to participate.
On Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees and their furry friends will enjoy a second day filled with exciting activities, including more dock diving (pre-registration is required). They also can simply watch the competition from the sidelines or visit with a variety of local pet-related businesses and animal shelters throughout the day.
Visitors are also invited to participate in The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley’s Sip and Shop program where guests can enjoy an alcoholic beverage while shopping at the center. To purchase an alcoholic beverage, guests (ages 21 and older) should visit The Patio.
Throughout the two-day Barktoberfest event, guests can spend quality time with their leashed, well-behaved dogs in the center’s common areas as well as inside the center’s “dog-friendly” stores.
Registration and a participation fee are required to take part in Dock Dogs competitions.
Competitions include:
- Big Air, a “long jump for dogs.” The dog, which may be placed anywhere on the 40′ dock, runs and jumps into the water after a throw toy (provided by the handler) is tossed. The distance is judged from the end of the dock to where the tail set of the dog breaks the water’s surface.
- Extreme Vertical, a “high jump for dogs.” The dog starts off at the 20’ mark on the dock & jumps up to grab a bumper toy extended out 8’ from the end of the dock over the water. The starting height for Extreme Vertical is 4’6” & goes up in 2” increments as competition progresses.
- Speed Retrieve, a “timed event.” At the far end of the pool a bumper toy is suspended 2” above the water with a starting indicator light above it. The dog is then placed at the 20’ white starting mark on the dock, when the light turns green the handler releases the dog, the time clock stops when the dog has pulled the toy from the Speed Retrieve bracket.
To register, visit dockdogs.com/event/barktoberfest-2/. Attending the event is free of charge and open to the public; no pre-registration is required to attend.
The Patio at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley is at 2845 Center Valley Parkway. For more information, visit promenadeshopsatsauconvalley.com/events.