Sixth annual Bidwell Bark brings community together

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Getting ready for the 5k fun run, Saturday at Bidwell Bark, at One-Mile Park Photo credit: Josh Cozine

Dogs howled at the siren that commenced the 5K fun run Saturday before taking off at One-Mile in Bidwell Park.

The sixth annual Bidwell Bark was held Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It was organized by the Butte Humane Society, and is the group’s second-largest fundraiser of the year, said Katrina Woodcox, executive director of the society.

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Getting ready for the 2k walk, Saturday at Bidwell Bark, at One-Mile Park Photo credit: Josh Cozine
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Runner and dogs returning from the 5k fun run, Getting ready for the 2k walk, Saturday at Bidwell Bark, at One-Mile Park Photo credit: Josh Cozine

“It’s a really nice way to bring the human and dog community together,” she said, “and we like to think the dogs like it too.”

The fun run was followed by an easier 2k walk, pet demonstrations, tricks and a pet costume contest. Vendors, informational booths, and other activities―like the dog kissing booth―ringed the Sycamore Field area of the park.

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Two small dogs meeting, Saturday at Bidwell Bark, at One-Mile Park Photo credit: Josh Cozine
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Getting ready for the 5k fun run, Saturday at Bidwell Bark, at One-Mile Park Photo credit: Josh Cozine
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Runner and dogs returning from the 5k fun run, Getting ready for the 2k walk, Saturday at Bidwell Bark, at One-Mile Park Photo credit: Josh Cozine

The event was sponsored by several local organizations. Z-Rock had a booth and local DJ, V, led the announcements and race and walk send-offs.

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Jack, the lobster, and Dewey Cox, the hot dog greet each other outside the costume contest sign-up area, Saturday at Bidwell Bark, at One-Mile Park Photo credit: Josh Cozine
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Dog on the fun run, Saturday at Bidwell Bark, at One-Mile Park Photo credit: Josh Cozine
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Runner and dogs returning from the 5k fun run, Getting ready for the 2k walk, Saturday at Bidwell Bark, at One-Mile Park Photo credit: Josh Cozine
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Getting ready for the 2k walk, Saturday at Bidwell Bark, at One-Mile Park Photo credit: Josh Cozine

Local brewery and restaurant Sierra Nevada sponsored a raffle booth with pet related goodies as prizes, Chico News & Review sponsored the run and walk, and food was available from vendors like Cali Dawgz, Betty Cakes Bakery and many others. Even 7-11 provided cheap $1 drinks and snacks.

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Getting ready for the 5k fun run, Saturday at Bidwell Bark, at One-Mile Park Photo credit: Josh Cozine
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Dogs meeting, Saturday at Bidwell Bark, at One-Mile Park Photo credit: Josh Cozine

Overall, Woodcox said more than 400 people registered, and she hopes the event will bring in about $50,000 for Butte Humane Society.

Josh Cozine can be reached at [email protected] or @joshcozine on Twitter