Promising to be a dog-gone good time for pets and people alike, Braselton will host its first pet-friendly event Saturday, June 11, in Braselton Park.

Pooches in the Park will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 115 Harrison St. in Braselton. Dog and family-friendly activities include a costume parade and contests while vendors promote their animal services and sell their pet-related wares.

Launching the day’s events will be the Dog Trot 3-kilometer race. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the trot. The race and pet costume parade, benefiting the Humane Society of Jackson County, start at 9:30 a.m.

The park and Pet Marketplace booths open at 10 a.m. with the pet strut and costume contest at 10:15 a.m.

Entries in the pet look-alike contest were accepted until June 1. Residents may now vote online at the Buy Local Braselton Facebook page. The top seven vote-getters will compete for the top prize at 12:30 p.m. June 11 at Pooches in the Park.

Other contests include best trick, bark-off and longest kiss. Prize baskets will be awarded to the winners.

At 11 a.m., a Gwinnett County Police K-9 demonstration will occur on the tennis courts followed by a noon agility demonstration.

The Wet Nose Bar Lounge will provide a place for pets to get a drink and take a dip in a kiddie pool. Tapps Sports Grill, Domino’s Pizza and Sweet Delights Bakery will be among the food vendors.

The Dog House photo station will feature cutouts to allow you and your pooch to take pictures.

The Dog Days of Summer comfort will provide lounging accommodations for pets and owners. The doggie beds will be donated to local shelters after the event.

The first 100 participants will receive Wag Bags containing goodies from sponsors and businesses. All dogs are welcome but must be leashed and under control at all times.

Several pet rescue organizations will also be represented.   

Sponsored and organized by the Braselton Main Street program, the goal of Pooches in the Park is to connect local pet owners with Braselton businesses, provide a safe and fun atmosphere for families with dogs and build relationships with other community organizations.

For more information, contact Pinnell at 706-684-0369 or apinnell@braselton.net.