- Barktoberfest is a two-day celebration for dog lovers and their furry companions, featuring dock diving, contests, demonstrations and informational sessions
- Puppies get the chance to experience dock diving, with no prior experience required
- Other events include visits with local animal shelters and pet-related businesses, pumpkin painting and s'mores with L.L. Bean
- The event is open to well-mannered dogs of all sizes and breeds above 6 months old
UPPER SAUCON TWP., Pa. — Puppy lovers now have one more event to celebrate in October.
Barktoberfest, set for Oct. 20-21 at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, will offer dog lovers and their furry companions the chance to participate in dock diving, fun contests, dog training demonstrations and info sessions.
The canine-centered event invites more than a dozen animal shelters, non-profit organizations and pet-friendly local businesses to the event to help shoppers connect with community partners.
“As a dog-friendly lifestyle center with more than 25 dog-friendly stores, The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley wanted to offer an event that caters to our furry friends and their owners."Promenade Shops Senior General Manager Natalia Stezenko
“As a dog-friendly lifestyle center with more than 25 dog-friendly stores, The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley wanted to offer an event that caters to our furry friends and their owners,” Promenade Shops Senior General Manager Natalia Stezenko said.
From, 4-8 p.m. Oct. 20, Dock Dogs Preview Night will give puppies a chance to experience dock diving. Experience is not required, and participants can take the plunge and potentially join the competition the next day.
As the sun sets, the event will feature the closing down of the Pop-Jet Fountain for the season with a final doggy dip. Learn more and register here.
Not just for dogs, owners
On Saturday, the Dock Diving by Dock Dogs will take place from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
A 27,000-gallon pool will be presented between Old Navy and Barnes and Noble for the competition.
“Well-mannered dogs of all shapes, sizes, breeds and ages [older than 6 months] are welcome to take part in this incredible event,” Stezenko said.
Other events include visiting local animal shelters, non-profits and pet-related businesses between Diva Nails and White Orchids Thai Cuisine, as well as joining L.L. Bean at The Patio for pumpkin painting and s'mores.
“The Barktoberfest event at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley isn’t just for the dogs; people without pets will enjoy the event as well."Promenade Shops Senior General Manager Natalia Stezenko
“The Barktoberfest event at The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley isn’t just for the dogs; people without pets will enjoy the event as well,” Stezenko said.
During the day, Lehigh Valley Health Network also will present Town Square featuring dance parties, a pet photo booth and animal training services.
Visitors also can grab an alcoholic drink while shopping in the center. For more information, visit The Promenade Shop’s website.
Other than the dock-diving competition, Barktoberfest requires no registration and is free, according to The Promenade Shops.
The shopping center said it plans to make the event an annual celebration for puppy owners.
