by Kimberly Jacobson
Kira Troutman, 11, and dog Bella compete in the Bark in the Park Dog Festival ‘strut your stuff’ contest Saturday. The contest let people show off things like their pet’s tricks and how much they look alike.
Bark in the Park Dog Festival was a success for organizers, who estimate as many as 800 people and 500 dogs came to the event June 13 at Storvik Park.
All donations benefit the Anacortes off-leash dog area going in at the new Ace of Hearts Creek Rotary Park at 38th Street and H Avenue.
Event organizer Amy Terhune with Fidalgo Islanders for Dogs Off-leash said she started the festival for two reasons: to give dog owners a festival where they could bring their furry friends and to raise money for the off-leash park.
The day included a dog parade, demonstrations, contests, games, food and vendor booths.
Winners at this year’s contests:
Best costume — Taylor Griffin (Anacortes) with Diesel , Kitty Hardy (Anacortes) with Fritter Dumplin’ and Sundee Johnson (Anacortes) with Peanut.
Best bark and howl — Cadence Littlefield (Anacortes) with Cookie, Celeste Lindstrom (Anacortes) with Blue and Kim Bjazevich (Anacortes) with Buddie.
Best tail wag — Dennis Koch (Seattle) with Popcorn, Fiona Frein (Anacortes) with Chewie and Kendra Kennedy (Anacortes) with Guinness.
Strut Your Stuff talent contest — Laurie Carlisle (Issaquah) with Truitt, Jolyne Angus (Anacortes) with Tuttle and Sarah Swietzer (Anacortes) with Mr. Beau.
Peanut butter eating, small dogs — Carolyn Patterson (La Conner) with Smarty, Melissa Frein (Anacortes) with Dutchess and Kira Troutman (Burlington) with Bella.
Peanut butter eating, medium dogs — Krista Dudley (Vashon) with Carter, Michelle Ball (Burlington) with Cinder and Andy Bowden (Lopez Island) with Jayger.
Peanut butter eating, large dogs — Gerry Greth (Anacortes) with Geoffery, Adam Abitbol (Mount Vernon) with Magic and Jessica Trueman (Anacortes) with McKinley.
