We interviewed Karine Smith, Event and Market Manager of Goodwill Projects, to bark about this year's highly anticipated Barktoberfest at Carseldine Markets in Queensland, Australia. Celebrating its seventh year, Barktoberfest offers a delightful mix of workshops, pet-friendly market stalls, and gourmet treats for both humans and their four-legged friends. The event will be held on Saturday, October 14th, and is proudly sponsored by Watt Realty. (Editor's note: This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.)
Key Takeaways:
Barktoberfest Promotes Community: Not only is the event a hotspot for dog lovers, but it also supports local businesses and charities.
Safety First: Ample shaded areas, water stations, and first aid ensure that your canine companion will be safe and comfortable.
Unique Attractions: From a canine fashion show to a first-of-its-kind dog wedding at the event, Barktoberfest offers unique, memorable experiences for you and your pup.
Q: How did Barktoberfest get its start, and what was the inspiration behind creating such a unique event?
A: Carseldine Farmers Market trades every Saturday from 6am to 12pm and has always been a dog friendly event, welcoming a large proportion of visitors who bring along their furry friends each Saturday. With an influx of dog stall applications selling different variety of treats, accessories, and services, the market has become a hotspot for dog lovers. Because of this, we decided to arrange our very first Barktoberfest event seven years ago to encourage and celebrate everything dogs. This annual event has become bigger and better each year.
Q: What makes Barktoberfest special compared to other dog-friendly events?
A: Barktoberfest helps promotes local small businesses and charities. We are able to showcase a range of different dogs and their incredible skills with a large grassed and shaded arena for all of our demonstrations and activations, while also bringing a spotlight to local charities and the amazing work they do for our furry friends.
It brings the community together and celebrates everything dogs. It provides a socialising and bonding opportunity for dogs and their owners with other people and pooches in their local area.
Lastly, Barktoberfest provides a fun, unique and positive experience for all attendees and their canine companions.
Q: Can you tell us about the involvement of Animal Welfare League Queensland?
A: This year Animal Welfare League Queensland are providing a royal pooch hydration station where they are providing a splash pool for dogs to cool down and red carpet, all in a shaded area for the pups to relax in. They are also hosting a charity raffle on the day, where all proceeds will go towards the incredible work that they do.
Q: How do you ensure the safety and well-being of dogs attending the event?
A: We will be providing water and shaded areas to prevent overheating, which is particularly important in the warmer weather.
The Carseldine Markets site also offers adequate space and proper fencing surrounding the main arena and we will be enforcing leash rules within Carseldine Farmers Market with ample signage to encourage this.
There will be a first aid station equipped to handle minor injuries or health issues that may arise during the event.
Q: What is the 'strike-a-paws' canine catwalk, and how can one participate?
A: It is a fashion parade where the dogs and their owners dress up and strut their stuff in front of three doggo judges on the canine catwalk.
There will be prizes up for grabs from local businesses and stallholders. Dog lovers are encouraged to enter via our event page using the link below:
https://bit.ly/strike-a-paws-2023 OR using the QR code onsite.
Q: The event mentions Deaf Dog Training with Hear No Evil. Could you tell us more about this unique training session and why it's important to include in Barktoberfest?
Hear no Evil are a deaf dog rescue group that work to rehabilitate and rehome deaf and special needs dogs. Founded in 2014, they use positive training methods and provide ongoing support to find forever homes for these dogs.
This demonstration will be an insightful look into the everyday struggles and rewarding experience of adopting and training a deaf dog, showing that these special need pups can live a happy, healthy and safe life just like other dogs.
Q: In addition to Deaf Dog Training, could you give us some sneak peeks into some of the other workshops and demonstrations planned for this year?
A: This year we have stepped it up a notch and will be hosting our very first Dog Wedding. Piglet (French Bulldog) & Leroy (Toy Cavoodle) will be tying the knot in Queensland’s first official dog wedding!
We also have a few other demonstrations including Truffle Discovery’s rescue Labradors and agility ball fetching competition from Pine Rivers Dog Training throughout the day!
Q: Any advice for someone planning to attend Barktoberfest for the first time?
A:
Check out our socials for the schedule and exciting event updates leading up to the day.
Ensure all dogs are on a leash.
Be responsible for dog droppings.
Bring a hat and a water bottle as the day warms up throughout the event.
Enter the competitions – got to be in it to win it, there are some awesome prizes up for grabs!
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