The dogs will be out in full force on “Howl-o-ween” for the second “Bark in the Park” in Veterans Memorial Park, sponsored by Mayberry 4 Paws.

This year’s event will last from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 31. It will feature music, food, contests, and vendors.

Admission is $2 per person, and dogs are free. All proceeds from admission and food will go towards paying spay and neuter costs for animals at the Surry Animal Shelter.

“We’re also trying to educate people about spaying and neutering,” said Michelle Edwards, director of Mayberry 4 Paws.

“It’s our mission to sponsor animals that come into the shelter,” said Jane Taylor, an organizer for the event.

The Mayberry 4 Paws members are personally absorbing any costs not donated for “Bark in the Park.” Everything raised will go directly to the group’s adoption fund.

Last year the event drew around 400 people and raised nearly $4,000. Edwards said, “It was really successful. Better than we hoped. We’ve had a lot of interest this year as well.”

This year Taylor said they are putting together welcome bags for 500 people. Rain or shine, the event will go on.

“We hope if the weather’s good we’ll have even more than last year,” Taylor remarked.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. with a K-9 demo by the Mount Airy Police Department, then at 10:30 there will be a K-9 Kudos demo.

Father Eric Kowalski of Holy Angels Catholic Church will perform the blessing of the animals at 11 a.m. Taylor said this is a common practice. St. Francis of Asisi is the patron saint of animals, but Taylor said the tradition is not just carried on by people of the Catholic faith.

The blessing will be followed by a doggie fashion show at noon. Billie Jo Easter of Froo Froo Pet Boutique is in charge of the fashion show. In her shop on Main Street she sells dog costumes and clothing. People who are interested in participating in the fashion show are coming in to her shop now to have their dogs fitted.

Easter said she still is looking for a few small and extra-small dogs to participate. People can call her at 719-6818 if they are interested in participating. So far seven dogs are signed up.

Last year Easter also led the fashion show, and she said they had a large crowd. “They seemed to really enjoy it,” she said.

From 1 to 2 p.m. The Broken Wheel Band will play. This band of Surry County musicians plays country and folk music. Taylor said the band played last year and was well liked.

The Howl-o-ween costume contest will take place from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. Edwards said this was the most popular aspect of “Bark in the Park” last year. Categories for the contest include cutest costume, scariest costume, owner look-a-like costume, best handmade costume, best Mayberry costume, largest dog costume, and smallest dog costume.

Finally, at 3:30 p.m. there will be a peanut butter kissing contest and a 50/50 raffle drawing at 3:45 p.m.

Throughout the day, people can enjoy food or visit the many vendors. There will be dog supply, pet photography, veterinarian, rescue group, and other types of booths set up.

At the event all dogs must have proof of vaccination and must be leashed. No retractable leashes will be allowed.

Mayberry 4 Paws officially formed in February, and 501(c)3 status for the group is pending. Members of the organization have made it their mission to help animals get adopted from the animal shelter and get spayed and neutered.

In 2007, there were 3,500 cats and dogs euthanized at the Surry Animal Shelter.

“Spaying and neutering and responsible pet ownership can fix that problem,” said Taylor.

For more information about “Bark in the Park,” visit barkintheparksurrync.com.

Contact Meghann Evans at mevans@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.