Culpeper Battlefields State Park hosts BARK in the PARK on Oct. 3
RAPIDAN, Va. – BARK in the PARK will be held at Culpeper Battlefields State Park on Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. This event will take place near the visitor center located at 9465 General Winder Road.
BARK in the PARK is a family friendly event featuring dog adoptions, pet vendors and interactive battlefield tours. Throughout the day, attendees can watch scheduled K9 demonstrations presented by the Virginia State Police Search and Rescue team. Culpeper County Library will have an area where visitors can read to therapy dogs and browse children’s books focused on Civil War history.
“Several canine combatants were at Cedar Mountain in 1862 and for the last decade the battlefield has been a popular destination with dog-walkers,” said Culpeper Battlefields State Park Manager Drew Gruber. “This event brings those two obvious connections together for the first time.”
There is an opportunity to meet adoptable dogs from the Culpeper Animal Shelter and the Salty Paws Brigade, who will be bringing several of their own B.A.R.K. Rangers that are looking for new homes. Visitors who are not seeking to adopt can still support the shelter by bringing donations. The shelter has requested dog and cat food, cleaning supplies, treats and durable toys.
Guests are encouraged to bring their own dogs to participate in a themed scavenger hunt that highlights the contributions of canine companions during the Battle of Cedar Mountain. At the end of the activity, participating pets will be sworn in as official B.A.R.K. Rangers.
Virginia State Parks welcomes pets that are well behaved and under control during your visit. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and should be comfortable around other dogs.
For more information, visit the event website or email Samantha at samantha.focazio@dcr.virginia.
