The Sixth-Annual Barktoberfest, the Music and Pet Lovers Festival, will take place Saturday, Sept. 27, from noon to 6 p.m., at the Melodee Music Outdoor Amphitheater in Sterling, located at 46077 Lake Center Plaza, Sterling. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 28.
The day is filled with live music, treats, games, and dogs and cats for adoption. Admission to the event is free, donations will be gladly accepted and all proceeds will benefit dogs and cats awaiting adoption at FOHA — Friends of Homeless Animals.
Nine live bands will provide tunes to accompany the day, all of which have donated their talents to provide free entertainment at Barktoberfest. Performers include the Mary Ann Redmond Band (rhythm and blues), That's What She Said (rock), Gary and Tom Smallwood (blues rock), Perfect Murphy (classic rock), Jerry Bresee and Friends (folk), Twice Shy (acoustic harmonies), Defaids (Beatles cover band) and Lisa Taylor (rockin' acoustic).
A wide array of silent auction items will prove too tempting to resist. Taste buds will be satisfied with an assortment of hot food, cold drinks and sweet goodies. People of all ages can play games like "Mutt-Mutt Miniature Golf" and "Touchdown Football." Canine attendees can play games like "Dunkin' Doggies" and "A Dog's Nose Knows," and participate in a costume contest.
And, of course, just a few of FOHA's canines and felines will be in attendance to meet the public — and perhaps even meet their new family.
Who Is Friends of Homeless Animals? FOHA is a nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue organization serving the D.C.-metro region. On a daily basis, FOHA cares for approximately 120 homeless dogs and 50 homeless cats, all awaiting permanent, loving homes. The organization's no-kill philosophy means that no animal is euthanized simply because they are "out of time." In 2007 alone, FOHA placed approximately 500 pets into permanent homes. More about FOHA, including adoption, donation and volunteering opportunities can be found at www.foha.org. Log onto www.barktoberfest.org or call 703-779-9966