Dog-Harmony’s 11th Annual Barktoberfest Returns to Grand Boulevard Oct. 30
Emerald Coast's dog costume contest and canine-only trick-or-treat features Oktoberfest-inspired drinks, music, prizes, and a silent auction; proceeds support Dog-Harmony's community education and wellness programs
Grab your four-legged best friends and don matching ensembles to compete for prizes at Dog-Harmony’s 11th annual Barktoberfest, a Halloween costume contest and canine-only trick-or-treat celebration, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Grand Park in Grand Boulevard at Sandestin.
Admission is free, but to enter the costume contest, participants can make a $15 donation in advance or $20 on the day of the event on Dog-Harmony’s website. Entry is per family group, not per dog.
Attendees and their costumed dogs can expect:
Oktoberfest-inspired drinks sponsored by Tito’s Vodka for Dog People
Light bites from JC’s Gourmet
Curated beats from DJ Diamond Dan
A silent auction featuring goods, services, and experiences donated by local businesses
Sponsor swag and giveaways
The Barktoberfest Halloween Costume Contest, with winners announced and prizes awarded at 6:15 p.m.
Founder Nancy Bown, CPDT-KA, says, “After more than 10 years, Barktoberfest remains one of our most popular signature events at Grand Boulevard, drawing families from all over the Emerald Coast each year. This fundraiser directly supports our community programs: youth mental health and crisis intervention; literacy advancement and educational enrichment; adult wellness and health care support; and Keeping Dogs in Homes. The first three programs incorporate our invaluable volunteer therapy dog teams.”
Furry Friends sponsors include Tito’s Vodka for Dog People, JC’s Gourmet, Barry Veterinary Hospital, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Paws Sitting Service, Elevate Next, Davis Dog Treats, Realtor Theresa Felton, and Destin Flooring America. Schooley Mitchell Gulf Coast, owned by Christman Morgan, and Mosquito Joe of Northwest Florida are Bar and Water Station sponsors, respectively.
In keeping with Dog-Harmony’s positive-reinforcement training philosophy, the nonprofit requests that prong, choke, and shock collars not be used on dogs attending the event.
Barktoberfest is free and open to the public as part of Grand Boulevard’s Coastal Culture Series, an initiative of its Arts & Entertainment Program. To learn more about the event, register for the costume contest, or become a sponsor, visit https://dog-harmony.org/events/11th-annual-barktoberfest.
About Dog-Harmony
Dog-Harmony is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2015 by Nancy Bown, CPDT-KA. The organization is dedicated to strengthening the bond between dogs and humans through community education and wellness support programs that incorporate its managed therapy dog team volunteers. In essence, it helps dogs rescue people. Dog-Harmony's key programs include youth mental health and crisis intervention; literacy advancement and educational enrichment; adult wellness and health care support; Keeping Dogs in Homes; and pet bereavement counseling. These programs are made possible through donations, grants, and the continued support of dedicated volunteers. For more information, visit www.dog-harmony.org.