LOXLEY, Ala. — There was plenty of sniffing, barking and panting going on in Loxley Saturday, Sept. 19.

And that was just the dogs.

More than 100 dogs and their human friends came to Loxley Municipal Park to celebrate the first-ever BARC! in The Park event, a fundraiser for the Baldwin County Humane Society and the American Cancer Society.

The event was a success.

“We surpassed our fundraising goal of $2,000.  In addition, LuLu's Homeport Marina presented a $500 check to the Baldwin County Humane Society and another $500 check to the American Cancer Society, bringing the proceeds from the day to almost $3,000,” wrote event organizer Sonja Presley in an e-mail.

“It was important to come out to support cancer research and support that Humane Society,” said Robin Slagle of Daphne. She was walking her golden retriever, “Callie” during the opening ceremonies.

The crowd had a chance to view the wares of many vendors at the event, and the ice cream for dogs was a crowd-pleaser. The dogs seemed to like it too.

The crowd also viewed a demonstration by the canine officers of the Loxley Police Department. Officer Christopher Crisler brought two of the department’s dogs, Torak and Alyxx for a demonstration of their abilities.

“I have the coolest job on the planet,” Crisler told the crowd. “I get to play with dogs and put criminals away. How cool is that?”

Torak demonstrated his drug-sniffing abilities, finding contraband in backpacks and bags placed on the park’s walkway. Alyxx demonstrated the trust and agility that makes him a formidable opponent when set against a suspect.

But, the day literally went to the dogs when the various competitions got started. A list of winners is below.

The Fido Fashion Show winner was the basset hound Delilah with her western sheriff’s outfit.  Delilah was shown by 9-year-old Hannah Ezelle of Loxley. 

The biggest bone award for most participants on a team went went to LuLu's Homeport Marina. 

The “Best Trick” contest went to Kenneth Horton of Summerdale with his 1-year old mixed black dog Tallulah doing "flipping the breeze" where she jumped, spun in the air then caught the ball.

The Peoples Choice” photo contest was won bu Heather Thurs of Loxley with picture of basset hounds in garbage strewn

The Pet/Owner look-alike ward went to Wendy Stacks of Foley with her toy poodle, Sophie.