The Big Bend Barkfest

We are often asked by persons who plan to attend Barkfest if they can bring their dog.  The short answer for that question is “Yes”. 

But our questions to you would include “Do you understand all of the implications of your decision if you do decide to bring a dog to The Big Bend Barkfest?”.

First, you must be prepared to abide by all of the rules that we have set forth and posted for those who wish to attend our event in the company of a dog. Those rules, which are available for download at the end of this posting, are primarily concerned with the safety of others that your dog might threaten. We are responsible to our patrons to provide a safe and enjoyable event for all who attend. We must take that responsibility seriously.

Next, you should consider that if you enter the stadium with your dog to watch the demonstrations and talents of the many trained dogs at the show, you must be seated on the same side of the field with others who bring dogs.  We believe that it would be unreasonable for a person to be forced to sit adjacent to a dog if they did not wish to.  Therefore, no dogs will be allowed on the “home” side of the field.  Anyone is welcome to sit on the visitor side – dog or not, but for reasons of fairness to all, no dogs allowed on the big side of the stadium.

Another point that we would like to offer is that it will be a long day and a large crowd.  Will you be able to enjoy the show, the vendor area,  and the other parts of the festival as much with a dog in tow than without your dog?  Our event is designed for people, about dogs.  Our cause is to raise money to help homeless dogs.

So the choice is yours, we just wanted you to be able to make an informed choice.  We have worked very hard for a long time to make this event one of wholesome, memorable family fun.  We hope everyone will join us as we celebrate our best friends, but not necessarily with our best friends.

Rules and Guidelines for Dogs at Barkfest

We are very pleased to announce that The Big Bend Barkfest will host the U.S. War Dog Memorial of Space Coast Canines.  The exhibit honors the combat dogs that have so faithfully and valiantly served our country in our armed forces.

The War Dog Memorial was originally founded to honor the thousands of dogs that were left behind in Viet Nam after the tour of their handler was completed.  This decision, designed to protect the U.S. dog population from disease that many of the dogs suffered from while in the combat zone, was flawed and unnecessary.  As it turned out, the disease was already present in our country and later it was found to be easily treatable.

The past is the past however, and it cannot be changed, but the memorial to these brave dogs and their handlers is altogether fitting and proper.  As a former Marine, I can personally testify that these men and their dogs saved countless lives of our soldiers and Marines.  On patrols, through mile after mile of enemy infested terrain, these brave men and their dogs walked “point”.  The “point” position was the first in the patrol, usually well in front of the remainder of the patrol.  War dogs, obviously were a priority target of the enemy because of their ability to scent the enemy troops and alert their handlers that something was “wrong”.

Viet Nam was not the birthplace of  U.S. war dogs. In WW II the war dogs also served with distinction and honor. There are many historical accounts of  family pets and working farm dogs that were donated to the country for the war effort. In the south Pacific campaigns, the well documented and heroic actions of these dogs and their handlers was often pivotal to the outcome of bloody battles.

Today, the War Dog Memorial, honors those who served and are currently serving and saving lives, often at the expense of their own. Funds that they raise through their exhibit go directly to the health and comfort of these dogs that are currently on the front lines of freedom.  Please be generous in your support of those who give so much and ask so little.

Norm Griggs, DVM

Agility event

The Big Bend Barkfest is shaping up to be the greatest exhibition of cavorting canines that the southland has ever witnessed.  The show, beginning at 9:00 a.m. March 6, 2010,  just keeps getting better and better.  Have you ever seen a live canine agility trial?  These dogs, all breeds mind you, run flat-out through a timed obstacle course.  They are not only judged by their speed but by the precision with which they navigate the obstacles.  Amazing to watch, smiles are guaranteed! 

How about working dogs? Long hours and low pay?  They work and will sacrifice their lives just for a  pat on the head accompanied by a simple  ”Good Dog”.  Tracking dogs, search and rescue dogs and their handlers, always ready to go out in any weather to save lives.  Watch in amazement  what they can do. 

The dogs that may put their lives on the line every day as police dogs and their officer handlers practice year-round in all conditions to “get it right” when lives are on the line.  They will be on the field to make you grateful to know they are there, on the front lines of law enforcement. 

We will host a wonderful “Meet the Breed” event to introduce you to the many breeds of dogs that you may have never met.  Experts for each breed will be there to answer your questions about the history of the breed and the characteristics of the breed that make it uniquely suitable for a specific job or person. 

How about obedience?  To witness the highly trained obedience competition dogs in action may well motivate you to start your best friend on a training regimen that will lead to stardom.  Long hours and hard work will only bring you closer to your dog.  In the meantime,  just watch and applaud the focus and precision of these remarkable canines. 

Barkfest will hopefully have something for all “dog people”.  But how about your dog??? Is there something that you need to share with others at the show?  There are many dogs out there that could be a part of history in the very first Big Bend Barkfest.  If you feel that your dog’s skill set needs to be shared with others at the show, why not let us know? We might just be able to give you a chance at stardom. 

Of course, if you have a little wiener dog, and I know many of you do, the most fun you will ever have with your dog would be to run your dog in the wiener race.  This event  is not for the seasoned veteran but for the rank amateur.  Nothing makes people laugh like a wiener race.  Do yourself a favor,  check it out and join us for the fun.  My little Dachshund Bailey will be there and I am dreaming about her little ears flapping in the wind as she races the 30 yard sprint toward me on the finish line. Be there with me and share the laughs. 

Could this be your dog?

I would love to see some folks with dogs that will fetch and catch a Frisbee.  I know you are out there and I want you to be in the show to make the crowd go Ohh and AHH.  Is that dog your dog?  If so, you need to consider sharing those unique skills with the crowd. Could this be your big chance?   

A couple of other “just for fun” events that are looking for entries are the costume contest and the ugly dog contest.  No dog skills needed, just a sense of humor. Dress ‘em up funny, fancy or downright outrageous.  It is all for a good time and to help those dogs who wish they could be there too. 

We are adding new things all the time. All day long, dogs, dogs and more dogs.  Plan to join us for the greatest dog show of them all. Come on, what do you have to lose?  You will certainly be among friends: dog people-the finest kind of folks. 

Our brochure and flyer are available in PDF format here on the website.  You may download them and print them on your color printer.  Please remember the event times listed in the brochure are only tentative.

Big Bend Barkfest Brochure

Barkfest Flyer

Where is Jar Jar now?  He will be in the Crawfordville Valentine’s day parade.  Immediately after the parade he will be at our booth in Hudson park.  Tickets for the JarJar raffle will be on sale at the booth. Our members will also answer questions and distribute information about The Big Bend Barkfest.

JarJar Binks is currently located at Ameris Bank in Crawfordville. Raffle tickets are available at that location.  The tickets are only $2.00 each, with no limit on the number a person can buy.

We are proud to announce that a celebrity has joined us in our promotion effort to publicize The Big Bend Barkfest.  JarJar Binks the loquacious Star Wars character will serve in two capacities.

JarJar Binks

First, Mr. Binks will make public appearances on behalf of Barkfest.  You may make his acquaintance at a number of locations around Crawfordville between now and the festival on March 6, 2010.

 Second, and most importantly, JarJar is looking for a new home and you have an opportunity to have that home be yours!  We are sponsoring a raffle for JarJar with the winner being announced at Barkfest in March.  For $2.00 per ticket you can take a chance on taking him home.  Of course all of the proceeds from the raffle go toward our cause.  That cause is to provide care for homeless dogs throughout the Big Bend area of Florida.

 From time to time, this website will be updated with the current location of JarJar Binks so that you might visit, snap a photo and buy some tickets for the drawing.

JarJar is seven feet tall!

Good Luck!

At Big Bend Barkfest we understand the depth of the relationship between mankind and his best friend, the dog.  We know that so many people share this deep love and respect for their dogs, and that this love may be one of the strongest common denominators uniting all people. 

It is in this theme that we will gather on the grounds of Wakulla High School on Saturday, March 6, 2010, to celebrate with our dogs. 

We shall have a host of events, all featuring our canine “best friends” to show them off. 

The event will open with a parade of dogs, all of whom were formerly homeless and are now in permanent homes.

We will have working dog demonstrations, agility demonstrations,  law enforcement canine units, search and rescue dogs, bloodhounds, and specially trained forensic dogs.

On the whimsical competitive side we will host the crowd favorite “Wiener Dog” races, Doggie fashion contests, and the “Best Dog Trick” contest. 

And for those who are proud to share a duck blind with their “best-friend” retriever there will be a chance for local guys and girls to demonstrate the skills of their hunting buddies.  Most people are amazed at how fast and dedicated these dogs are.

Speaking of athletic dogs, why not enter yourself and your Frisbee catching dog in our “best catch”  tournament.  It is all for fun and a trophy to recognize you and your winning dog’s talent. And, of course, all of our profits go directly toward improving the lives of those dogs who have no family to play with.

We will have food vendors,  pet supplies, and even some wonderful dogs in need of a good home. There will be all things “canine” gathered this day to enjoy the dogs. We invite you to join us and be a part of this day!