New animal shelter site of 13th annual Bark Fest

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Two 3-month-old puppies play at last year's Bark Fest in Liberty Twp. This year's event is Saturday, Sept. 26, at the new shelter in Butler County, 1820 Princeton Road, Hamilton. The shelter moved from its Trenton facility to Hamilton over the summer.

Staff photo by Pat Auckerman Two 3-month-old puppies play at last year's Bark Fest in Liberty Twp. This year's event is Saturday, Sept. 26, at the new shelter in Butler County, 1820 Princeton Road, Hamilton. The shelter moved from its Trenton facility to Hamilton over the summer.

By Richard Wilson, Staff Writer Updated 6:58 AM Wednesday, September 23, 2009

HAMILTON — With a new shelter that’s quite a bit larger than the old one, the Animal Friends Humane Society is hoping for a good turnout at one of its largest annual fundraising events.

Dog- and family-friendly activities are planned all day Saturday, Sept. 26, at Bark Fest 2009 at the new Butler County Animal Shelter, 1820 Princeton Road.

While voters approved a tax levy for constructing the new shelter, the local humane society doesn’t receive county funds and relies on donations to cover operating expenses, said Director Meg Stephenson.

“This event will help us continue to operate in this wonderful new facility,” which has, among other features, 46 dog kennels, 51 cat condos and two operating rooms, Stephenson said. “This is a great way to come out with the family and pets and support a wonderful cause.”

This is the 13th annual Bark Fest, which in the past was held at Liberty Park off Yankee Road. The event features a three-quarter mile dog walk, about 16 vendors including food and refreshments;  and demonstrations by Unleashed Agility and the Middletown Dog Training Club and the sheriff’s K-9 unit. Attendees also may take advantage of discounted microchipping; autumn-themed pet photos and enter to win contest and raffle prizes.

The event is free, but a $25 donation will get you a goody bag and free lunch and a $50 donation also includes a Bark Fest T-shirt.

The goal this year is to raise about $25,000, said Dee Parragh, volunteer and humane society board member.

“Any donation is appreciated,” Parragh said, “but even if you don’t donate, because we know the economy is bad, please come out, enjoy the event and see what we have to offer.”