MAYS LANDING - Families and their furry companions are invited to the 5th annual Bark in the Park, returning 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 to the Atlantic County 4H Fairgrounds, 3210 Rt. 50 in Mays Landing,
Hosted by Absecon Veterinary Hospital, the event is South Jersey’s largest dog friendly gathering. Proceeds will benefit the hospital’s nonprofit, Laddie’s Legacy, which provides financial assistance for families who cannot afford lifesaving care for their pets.
Children 12 and under and dogs are admitted free. All dogs must be current on vaccinations, friendly with people and other dogs, and leashed with a non-retractable leash.
“You don’t need a dog to come out to Bark in the Park,” said Cherie Scheurich, executive director of Absecon Veterinary Hospital. “This event is about community, compassion and celebrating the bond we share with our pets. It’s a day of fun that also helps save lives through Laddie’s Legacy.”
Activities for dogs include a human and dog pie eating contest, doggie musical sit, dog show, and dog nose painting. There will also be dog training demonstrations for pet parents, along with local vendors, food trucks, and a beer garden featuring craft brews from Dr. Brewlittles Beer Company.
New this year is Mr. Foamtastic, a free foam party for kids. Families are encouraged to bring bathing suits and towels. Other children’s activities include the duck pond, face painting, a petting zoo, plushie animal adoption, and the Future Vet workshop for children ages 6-16 (RSVP and pre-payment required). This year’s hour-long class will focus on pet first aid taught by staff from Absecon Veterinary Hospital. Each student will receive a summer learning packet with flash cards that will help prepare them for their workshop at Bark.
Last year’s event helped raise $19,500 dollars for Laddie’s Legacy, a non-profit organization dedicated to help saving pets lives. Laddie’s Legacy is a veterinarian referred vet bill assistance program that has saved countless lives since its inception in 2022. Laddie’s Legacy commemorates the life of Laddie, a Maine Coon kitty that was surrendered to Absecon Veterinary Hospital because his owner could not pay for increasing medical fees. For more information on Laddie’s Legacy and all the lives saved, visit www.laddieslegacy.org.
Admission is $10. For tickets, see https://tinyurl.com/2025BarkinthePark.
For sponsorships, vendor applications or more information about the event, contact Cherie Scheurich at 609-646-7013 or [email protected].
