Pet owners and animal aficionados Oct.3 will have an opportunity to enjoy an event-filled day in the park while supporting one of the county’s most pet-friendly organizations.

The Alabaster Parks and Recreation Department will host the Shelby Humane Society’s third Bark in the Park celebration at the city’s Veteran’s Park off Highway 119 South.

The free event each year typically is one of the humane society’s largest fundraisers, explained Jennifer Russo, the society’s director of development.

“We usually have a lot of sponsors and donors each year. It’s definitely one of our largest fundraisers,” Russo said. “We call it a daylong party to celebrate pets and their owners.”

The event last year drew about 500 people and more than 300 animals, Russo said. Bark in the Park this year will feature live entertainment, pet training classes, pet fashion shows and several other events for pets and people.

The festival’s main event will be the “mutt strut,” a 1-mile, pet-friendly walk around the park benefiting the humane society. Though there is no cost to attend Bark in the Park, registration for the mutt strut, which begins at 11 a.m., is $15.

Humane society employees also will hold a low-cost pet vaccine and microchip clinic from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Bark in the Park will be held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, including a schedule of events and directions to the park, visit Shelbyhumane.com or call the humane society at 669-3916.

“It’s just a fun day out in the sun with your pet,” said Russo. “It’s a very fun, family friendly event.”