Gardiner Main Street on Saturday will host the 8th annual Barks in the Park event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day will be filled with events, contests, and demonstrations at

Gardiner’s Waterfront park located in Downtown Gardiner.

“This event is not only to promote Gardiner as a dog friendly community, but to get the word out about some of the dog rescue groups and other service organizations in the area,” Gardiner Main Street’s Patrick Wright said.

Rescue groups, vendors, Agility Central of Maine, Fly Ball Dogz and the Maine State Police K9 unit will all be in attendance.

The event is free and open to the public with lots of activities for dogs and their owners including several contests for best dog kiss, best costume, a look-alike contest and education about animal health and welfare.

“This is a great opportunity for dog lovers to come together for a day of fun with each other and their pooches,” said Wright.

Donations will be accepted on site for the development of a new dog park in Gardiner. Last year more than $3,000 was raised toward a dog park, this year’s goal is to exceed that amount to come even closer to the goal of $8,000.

For more information and to see the full list of activities, visit gardinermainstreet.org.