Paws in the Park Archives - Shelby County Reporter

Dog day afternoon: Pelham hosts Paws in the Park event

By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Pelham residents brought their canine companions to Pelham City Park on Sunday, April 13 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a fun community event for humans and animals alike.

Paws in the Park featured pet-friendly vendors, food trucks and more, offering a plethora of entertainment and amenities for Pelham residents. The Bama Air Dogs performed for attendees, showing off their skills in canine disc events. Local rescues and shelters also provided adoption opportunities for interested families.

“This was our fifth annual Paws in the Park, it was a beautiful day and we had a great turnout,” said Alicia Walters, the assistant director of Pelham Parks and Recreation. “This year we had more vendors, more food trucks, more kids’ activities and more in attendance. It was an amazing day and the Pelham community once again showed up and showed out.”

A vendor market offered pet products, treats and accessories for guests, with Pelham’s police dogs also showcasing their skills in an entertaining demonstration. A low-cost vaccine and microchip clinic was also provided by Shelby Humane at the event.

Rounding out the activities was a pet parade, as owners and dogs strutted their stuff all across Pelham City Park. Kids at the event were entertained with face painting, hula hoops and inflatables.

Along with the dozens of vendors, the event also featured a pet food donation drive for the Alabama Pet Pantry. Walters described what the drive entailed.

“They collected cat and dog food bags during the event,” Walters said. “They gave away dog beds for those that made a donation.”

Walters also discussed the inception of Paws in the Park and how it has grown over the years.

“Five years ago, Sheila Montgomery from Alabama Pet Pantry came to me and asked if we could plan a pet event,” Walters said. “I thought it was a great idea, and we started planning. Every year since, we have tried to add something new: more vendors, more activities and more fun. It has been exciting to see the growth of the event over the years.”

With 1,700 people in attendance and dozens of four-legged friends, Walters believes the event is a perfect example of Pelham’s emphasis on community.

“Our focus for all of our events is to try and provide an environment where the community can come together to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with friends and family,” Walters said. “Pelham City Park is a great outdoor space, and we welcome the opportunity to invite the community to spend time in the park.”

Walters concluded by sharing that the event also boosts animal welfare in both Pelham and Shelby County.

“We partner with the Shelby Humane and Alabama Pet Pantry,” Walters said. “Both of these organizations have a passion to protect and serve the animals in our community. This year Shelby Humane administered 259 pet vaccinations and had seven dogs adopted. That was awesome news, and we can’t wait to partner with them next year.”

The following vendors were present at the event: