By Alexandra Golder
Contributing Writer
Wrightsville Beach celebrated the return of dog prints in the sand with the 23rd annual Bark in the Park on Saturday. The free event held at the Wrightsville Beach Park was equally social for dog owners and enthusiasts as it was for the dogs themselves.
“We saw a bunch of dogs and thought ‘that looks cool!’” said Sydney Thomas and Brooke Johnston, two UNCW students who moved to the beach this year.
The canine athletic competition, also known as the Skyhoundz Hyperflite Canine Disc Championships, tested dogs on their ability to catch flying discs, with extra points awarded to those who performed air catches.
“I’ve been coming to this event every year,” said Stretch Taylor of Myrtle Beach. Panama and Cherry Bomb, two of the four canine companions of Taylor, took home first and third place, respectively. Second place was awarded to owner Jason Hand and Belle.
A large crowd of spectators enthusiastically engaged in the competition, cheering and groaning as dogs succeeded or failed in catching the flying discs. Spectators brought lawn chair and pets along with them.
The level of respect upheld to the canine competitors rivaled an Olympic-qualifying event as much as an amateur dog show, excited spectators said.
“My wife loves everything to do with dogs,” said Dennis Sullivan of his wife Diane. This was the Rocky Point couple’s first year of attendance at the event. Joined by their rescue dogs Skylar and Sunshine, the family had fun experiencing the event.
Canines were also judged on Best Dressed Dog, Best Dressed Team and Dog Displaying the Most Personality.
Bean, the boy ballerina, took home second place as Best Dressed Dog. Accompanied by Aubreyella Hyldnel, this was their first year at the event after hearing about it last year.
Pets are permitted on the beach strand from Oct. 1 to March 31, as long as they remain on a leash. Failure to do so, or to clean up after a pet, may result in a $250 fine for the first offense.
Photos by Alan Cradick:
