First Bark in the Park enjoys large turnout

Hundreds of people and almost as many dogs filled the Public Square Thursday evening as Main Street Demopolis hosted the first of what is expected to be the annual Bark in the Park.

“We thought it would be a fun thing to do,” said Rhae Darsey, Main Street’s director.

A lot of other people thought the same things as dog owners, dog lovers and dogs on leashes came out to enjoy the evening and take advantage of the food and merchandise offered by vendors. The newly renovated merry-go-round got a good workout from children in the park, also.

Owners lined up with their dogs before three judges who determined the Best Friend of the evening. A pup named Copper took the honors. Her likeness will be printed on t-shirts to commemorate the event.

Among all the dogs with their owners was Lulu, the only explosive detection dog in the area. Her handler, DPD Offficer John Carlson, said only 30 dogs in Alabama are trained to detect gunpowder and other explosives.