The 2010 Bark in the Park Dog Festival is scheduled Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Metrolina Expo, 7100 Statesville Road, Charlotte. It’s the sixth year for Bark in the Park, which is organized in part by Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department. Admission and parking are free.

Bark in the Park drew more than 14,500 people last year.

Dogs participate in contests like Best Costume, Best Bark, Largest Dog, Smallest Dog, Best Trick., Disc Throw and Catch, and Disc Long-Shot Catch. Register for these events at the festival. Watch the Pooch Parade of Adoptable Dogs and entertainment provided by Atlanta Dog Sports. Enjoy exhibits, dog products, prize drawings and more. Many great dogs to see and greet! All dogs must enter on a leash. For more information, check www.parkandrec.com or call 311.

This event promotes Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s five dog parks (with a sixth coming later this spring at Shuffletown Park). These are popular places for dogs to run free and frolic in fenced meadows and woodlands. Dog parks are FREE for public use. All dogs must be vaccinated as required by law.