Pups compete at the annual Barkfest event at Riverside Arts Market

JACKSONVILLE, Florida. – Local pups and their owners attended the free annual Barkfest event at Riverside Arts Market on Sunday.

There were 70 vendors offering puppy-friendly services and goods, including pet adoptions, a dog trick show, and a cutest dog contest.

The event is organized by Jacksonville Business Connections. It’s a fun day for dogs and their owners to get outside and enjoy activities, as well as see what products and services are available for their pets.

Melissa Lampugnano is the owner of Jacksonville Business Connections and has hosted this event for the past 12 years.

“The goal is to spread the word and hopefully get some of these dogs adopted,” Lampugnano said.

News4JAX spoke to one of the vendors, Maria Atilano, who was at the event supporting the bulldogs.

“I’m here at Barkfest today to support Florida Bulldog Rescue, we are a non-profit organization and we have volunteers located all over the state of Florida, including here in Jacksonville, we are trying to raise money to support the dogs that are coming in,” Atilano said.

They support English and French bulldogs that have been abandoned or found on the streets. All proceeds go towards the rehabilitation and relocation of the dogs.

For more information about the event or to participate, please visit this website.