By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – New Orleans’ City Bark, a dog park within City Park, recently celebrated its one-year anniversary. Although there may not be such a facility for dogs and their owners in the River Parishes, on Saturday the Rotary Club of LaPlace will attempt to create a canine utopia with the third annual Pups in the Park event.

The event this year will be much like it was in previous years, according to organizer Bill Ironside.

“We’re just hoping to get a little better turnout than we did last year,” he added.

Returning to Highway 51 Park this year are the agility demonstrations from Mollie, an Australian shepherd that has taken part in Pups in the Park since its inaugural year. Also on tap are the many contests — cutest pet, ugliest pet, longest tail, biggest ears, look alike, best dressed and best trick — which have anchored the event since its inception. This year, however, members of the St. John 4-H club will be handling the contests.

Other booths will also be present on the grounds to publicize some of the resources for the local animal population.

Ironside said sponsorship is up for this year’s event, and Italian Pie has stepped up to supply the food.

Registration for the event starts at 10 a.m. and is $10 per dog. Each registered pet will receive a commemorative bandana.

All proceeds collected will benefit the St. John Animal Shelter.

According to Ironside, the money will once again be used for parvo vaccinations.

“I’m hoping it will be closer to $3,000 this year,” said Ironside.

The agility demonstrations will begin at 11 a.m., the group walk will begin at noon, and the contests will begin at 1 p.m. Entry for each contest is an additional $10.

All dogs must be on leashes, according to the event’s website, www.pupsinthepark.com.

“Hopefully the weather is going to hold out,” said Ironside. “We’re going to try to give it a real festival feel.”