Downtown Elizabethton sees good attendance as they host 3rd Annual Barktoberfest
Published 11:34 am Monday, October 16, 2023
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
By Ron Marvel
Star Correspondent
Despite a chilly, overcast day, Barktoberfest saw good attendance and a fun day for all in attendance. The 3rd Annual Barktoberfest took place Saturday; the event had to be moved, because of muddy conditions, to the parking lot of the Riverside Taphouse. The party like atmosphere served as the backdrop for dog lovers to show off their companions.
From Great Danes to Chihuahuas, all kinds of dogs on leashes turned out as a day of entertainment for the family took place; there were vendors, music, and food trucks available. The day will also be remembered for the contests and games as folks in attendance saw dogs participate in cake walks, “Strut your Mutt,” tricks and costume judging. The costume portion of the day often saw the canine owners in matching costumes. DJ Dublin and Some Old Friends provided live entertainment.
The event was hosted by Riverside Taphouse and Main Street Elizabethton. Featured vendors included Camp Ruff-N-More, Oma’s House, Downtown Elizabethton, Made on Elk, and Auntie A’s Bakery in addition, the Elizabethton River Riders hosted a lounge area. Patty Whitson, Main Street Elizabethton Board Member and Merchant Committee Chairperson spoke about how the event has grown over the last couple of years. “This event was created to make downtown pet friendly and most of the businesses now have a sticker outside their doors up and down the sidewalks. We have the Barktoberfest so everyone can come out and celebrate their dogs, plus it helps us raise amenities like the bowls and plastic baggies; each year it has increased in attendance, it is unreal,” Whitson shared. The event also raised money for the Friends of the Carter County Animal Shelter. To find out more about this event or to donate, you can contact Downtown Elizabethton at (423)213-0090 or email Courtney Bean at cbean@cityofelizabethton.org.