CHESTERTON | Area pooches and their human friends have a chance to compete in contests that begin at noon today as part of the Bark in the Park celebration in downtown.

Bark in the Park will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today in Thomas Centennial Park, Broadway and Calumet Road. Admission is free, but there are fees for some activities.

Dr. Harold Okone, a veterinarian with Ark of the Dunes Animal Clinic, will judge the contests, which run from noon to 1:15 p.m. and include categories for the biggest dog, smallest dog, best-dressed dog, biggest ears, best human barker, ugliest dog, best trick (each contestant has as many as two minutes), longest tail and owner-pet look-alike.

All contest participants will win something. Entry into the contests is free.

There are fees to participate in games and activities, but all participants will win a prize. See if your dog can find the lucky duck in the Duck Hunt game. Other activities will determine which pup is the canine Einstein or the next Pawcasso.

At the Barks and Crafts booth, participants can create a personalized tote bag or design a scarf for their pet pals. There is a fee for this activity.

Marie Cross Studios will be on hand to take photos of pooches and their friends. A Webkinz booth offers virtual reality for those willing to wander the Webkinz world.

Enter to win an overnight stay in a jacuzzi/fireplace suite at the Gray Goose Inn. There is no cost to enter. Entries are limited to one per person.

The event also includes booths representing various pet organizations, pet products and food. The Lions Club will offer wiener dogs, kennel burgers, French poodle fries and assorted soft drinks.

Bark in the Park is sponsored by the Duneland Business Initiative Group, a nonprofit group consisting of business owners, local residents, the Porter County Convention, Recreation & Visitors Commission and the Duneland Chamber of Commerce.

For information, call (219) 617-1742 or send an e-mail to info@nwihb.com.

-- The Times