By james art PHOENIX — Barktoberfest is back this weekend. The 26th annual adoption event will aim to find permanent homes for dogs while raising money for hstray dogs and cats.
Friends for Life will host the free event at the Gilbert Civic Center, near Gilbert and Warner Roads, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
What else will Barktoberfest offer?
A variety of activities, food trucks, shopping and photo opportunities will also be located at the event.
In DogVinci, animals can step into safe paint and walk on canvases to create a work of art.
Several contests will also be held, including a K-9 Idol contest (whoop), a costume contest, and a best trick contest. Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg and Gilbert Mayor Brigette Peterson will judge each of the contests.
Friends for Life is a no-kill animal shelter that receives no government funding. It costs about $40,000 a month to run the adoption center, and all funds raised at the festival will go toward saving stray dogs and cats in the community.