Charlotte, NC – The fourth annual Harris Teeter/Purina® Bark in the Park dog festival invites "dogs and the people they own" to William R. Davie Park on Saturday, April 26, 2008. This is Charlotte's premier dog festival!  It takes place 10am - 4pm at William R. Davie Park, 4635 Pineville-Matthews Road (N.C. Highway 51). Admission is free. All dogs must be on a leash.

Bark in the Park is a signature event of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation.  This festival drew almost 11,000 people last year, and there could be a similar crowd this year. Proceeds help fund future dog parks. Parking is at nearby Calvary Church with shuttle buses to and from the park.

Entertainment includes The Ultimate Air Dogs, presented by Purina®, with captivating feats of jumping, diving, and fetching. Dog owners are invited to join the WAXN Pooch Parade and contests such as Pet/Owner Look-Alike, Best Costume, Best Bark, Largest Dog, Smallest Dog, and Best Trick. Registration for these contests will be at the event. The festival will include many exhibits, dog products, adoptable dogs on display, food, fun and great dogs to see and greet. For more information call 311 or check www.parkandrec.com .

NOTE TO MEDIA: This festival offers exciting video and photo opportunities and usually garners wide coverage. Reporters and photographers welcome.  Please consider for advancer stories, news coverage and event calendars. Park and Rec photos of previous festivals available on request.

The winning canine in the 2008 Harris Teeter/ Purina® Bark in the Park Top Dog Photo Contest will be honored as grand marshal of the WAXN Pooch Parade. The Top Dog will receive a photo portrait donated by Deborah Triplett Studios, a Harris Teeter/Purina® prize pack, a year’s supply of “yourpet” brand dog food. Rules for the Top Dog Photo Contest are posted on www.parkandrec.com or by calling 704 336-7853. Contestants pay a $12 entry fee and submit a 4” X 5” photo of their dog by March 24. A panel of judges selects three finalists for cleverness and originality, and the public votes online for the Top Dog at www.parkandrec.com. 

Mecklenburg County has four dog parks now with a new one in the works in Frazier Park. Dog parks operated by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department are popular places for dogs to run free and frolic in fenced meadows and woodlands.  A "pooch pass" or vaccination records must be presented for dogs to enter the fenced off-leash dog park at Bark in the Park. 

Park and recreation seeks volunteer help for this event. Apply to Lori Saylor at 704-336-5478.