Doggone Good Party

Carnival-style games, a Halloween costume party, treats and more make for a great time for any kid.

Especially if your "kid" is a four-legged friend who loves to frequent the Horsham Dog Park. 

The 5-year-old park–which is situated in a 1.5-acre section of Kohler Park–is giving its furry friends something to bark about with Saturday's anniversary party.

"The dogs are going to get all excited when they get anywhere near the park," Horsham Dog Park Vice President Cathie Tomassone said. "We’re going to try to keep it low-key."

Pooches will be able to try their paws at doggie agility courses, socialize with other dogs, enjoy dog-friendly treats and more, according to Tomassone. 
 
During the three-hour event, the second home for man's best friend will be filled with dog-related vendors–featuring everything from boarding, to bathing, training and rescuing–and the park will be bustling with tail-wagging good times.

The anniversary party doubles as a fundraiser for the community-owned park, Tomassone said. 

"We, the community members are responsible for funding the park … and keeping up the park," she said of the township-donated land. "Everybody owns the park."

Horsham Dog Park opened on Oct. 25, 2008 and is maintained by a nonprofit group comprised solely of volunteers. The park, which features two fenced areas, one specifically for small dogs (under 30 pounds) and another for large dogs, receives visits from several hundred area pooches on weekends boasting nice weather, according to Tomassone. 

Saturday's event and other Horsham Dog Park events are aimed at raising money to maintain the park, chiefly to purchase the annual $4,000 supply of mulch.

"We have a lot of trees and a lot of shade," Tomassone said of the need to mulch. "Growing grass, especially in the large dog park, is one step away from impossible."

The organization is looking to use some of the proceeds from Saturday's event to replace gate latches, which Tomassone said are wearing out because of excessive use. 

For the most part, volunteers upkeep the park. The third Saturday of the month the park hosts a volunteer hour from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. 

But, Tomassone said dog owners don't have to wait until those designated times to lend a hand.

"Anybody who comes to the park could get involved," Tomassone said. 

If you go

Horsham Dog Park's fifth anniversary party will be held at Kohler Park, 1013 Horsham Road on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event features dog-related games, vendors, as well as a blessing of the dogs courtesy Horsham Spirit Medium Karen Hluchan. Click here for more details.