Calling all canines! The 21st Annual Bark in the Park, also known as the Skyhoundz Hyperflite Canine Disc Championships, will be held in Wrightsville Beach Park Saturday, Oct. 4. Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation invites dogs of all sizes and breeds to compete in this free and fun event.
Kris Thompson, Wrightsville Beach Parks and Recreation spokeswoman, said each owner and dog team has 60 seconds to catch a frisbee as many times as possible for points.
“Dogs are judged based on distance and accuracy, as each team has 60 seconds to complete as many catches as possible within various scoring zones,” Thompson said during a Sept. 22 phone interview.
The field is marked with white lines like a football field, which denote how many points the dog will receive if it makes a catch in that zone.
“The farther out, the higher the score,” Thompson said. “Catches must be completed with all four paws landing inside a zone, or ‘inbounds,’ as we call it.”
Dogs receive bonus points if a catch is made with all four paws in the air. Teams can use one disc of their choice and are not allowed to substitute the disc after the contest begins. Some teams wear matching costumes, but no extra points are awarded for clothing.
“It’s a completely fun event,” Thompson said. “Some people expect professional dogs to come out, but if a dog can catch a frisbee they should just come and try it. We’ve had teams where a dog will just lay down in the middle of the field with the frisbee, but everyone laughs.”
In 2013, 29 canines competed, and Bob Davis and Spirit, his 4-year-old Tervuen, from Greenville, N.C., were the winners. The top three teams are awarded prizes, and of course, barking rights.
“The whole family is encouraged to pack a cooler and a picnic lunch and watch the fun,” Thompson said.
For more information call 910-256-7925 or visit www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com
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