Barktoberfest

The Upper Merion Farmers Market is calling all dogs in the local community this weekend, as well as their owners. On Saturday, Oct. 5, they are encouraged to participate in the market’s first annual Barktoberfest celebration. Barktoberfest will feature contests, costume judging, and canine portraits. The events begin at 11 a.m. with a musical dogs contest that is akin to musical chairs. In this contest, the dogs that can sit the fastest win the competition. Following this challenge, dogs are invited to participate in a costume contest that will be judged by local elected officials in Upper Merion Township.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, dogs can pose for portraits taken by Memories by Michelle Photography. Portraits will be available for a small fee and printed out on site. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be distributed to the local animal shelters that frequent the farmers market each week. All dogs that participate in Barktoberfest will receive a bandana scarf and a small bag of dog treats.

In addition to these Barktoberfest activities, the market will also host representatives from the Friends of Valley Forge Park. They will talk with market patrons about their educational programs and ways to partner with them to preserve the park.