Barktoberfest Is Right Around the Corner

SQSPCA To Celebrate the Season with an Event at Iroquois Farm

COOPERSTOWN—The Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is gearing up for a fantastic first-time fall event to be held at the Iroquois Farm Showgrounds later this month.

On Saturday, September 30, the shelter will hold its “Barktoberfest and Dog Show,” starting with the “Steps for Pets” Community Dog Walk. Folks can bring their canine friends along for this 1.5-mile walk beginning at the Cooperstown Elementary School at 10 a.m. and arriving just in time for the Barktoberfest kick-off.

“Walkers can also help out the SQSPCA by forming a team and soliciting sponsors to raise funds on our behalf,” said SQSPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes. “The top three teams who raise the most money for animals in need will win a prize.”

Haynes added that a “team” can be an individual and their dog or groups of two or more people with their pups, and noted, “Even if you don’t have a dog, you can still join the walk and raise funds to help vulnerable animals.”

Funds raised should be turned in at the registration table before heading out in order to determine the winners, Haynes said. Walkers can register for the event at www.sqspca.org.

Barktoberfest itself begins at 11 a.m. Festival activities will include dog training demonstrations, canine sports, kids’ activities and crafts, live music by the band Fast Friends, and food and beverage for purchase, as well as animal-associated exhibits. Admission is free and open to the public

The dog show begins at 2 p.m., with Kristen Copeland from News Channel 2 WKTV as emcee. The registration fee for dog show participants is $20.00 per dog, per class. Folks are advised to sign up early via the SQSPCA website, as there is a limit of 10 dogs per class. In the event that there are still spots remaining, sign-up will close at noon the day of the show. All dogs—whether taking part in the dog show or simply on hand for the event—must be on a leash. Participants should arrive at the dog show arena by 1:30 p.m. Admission is free for spectators.

“This show is for all dogs, regardless of breed or size,” said Haynes. “But please be sure your dog has a current license and is up to date on immunizations.”

The judges are looking for healthy, happy, bright-eyed dogs who are socially comfortable in a small arena, Haynes added.

“If your dog is not friendly with other dogs or new people, this might not be the best event for them,” she cautioned.

Dog show classes include “Most Fabulous Fella,” “Loveliest Lady,” “Best Rescue Dog” and “Special Senior,” among others.

Sponsorships for the shelter’s Barktoberfest and Dog Show are still available at various levels. All proceeds support the work of the SQSPCA. Those interested in sponsoring the show—including Barktoberfest recognition signage featuring your business or family name—contact Sarah Wilcox at swilcox@sqspca.org or (607) 547-8111, extension 106.

Iroquois Farm Showgrounds, best known as the site of The Farmers’ Museum’s annual Junior Livestock Show, is located at 1527 County Highway 33 (River Road) in Middlefield.