The Brookhaven Animal Rescue League will host its annual Barkfest at the Mississippi School of Arts campus May 14. The day will feature a 5K run, live music, food, a children’s play area, a dog show and plenty of dogs ready to be adopted.

This year’s Barkfest theme is “Believe in Second Chances” because shelter animals are not broken, but instead just need a second chance at life, BARL board member Rusty Adcock said.

Barkfest is a family-centered event, complete with live entertainment, vendors and a 5K.

“This event is for the whole family, including the dogs.  We’ll have food, music and lots of entertainment.  We hope people will bring their lawn chairs and blankets and just hang out enjoying the day,” Adcock said.

The event will begin with a 5K color run through downtown Brookhaven at 8:30 a.m. and a one-mile fun run will begin at 8:40 a.m. Dogs are allowed to participate in the runs. Pre-registration fees for the race are $25 per adult, $10 per child and $5 per pet.  The pre-registration deadline is May 1. The adult runners/walkers registration fee the day of the event will be $30.

Barkfest will host an all-day Christian music concert starting at 9 a.m. featuring local artists including, Acts2, Baleigh Larkin and Clint Gooch, Expressions of Praise Dance Team, gospel rapper Chris G., Surrendered, Rockin’ the Keys featuring Blake Scafidel and Marvin Curtis and Stone Water.

A children’s play area will be set up with a jump house, balloons and face painting.  Friends of the Library will have a used book sale and will encourage children to read to an adoptable BARL dog for a donation. A dog fun zone will also be set up where dogs can have their toe nails painted and/or clipped, a spa treatment or take pictures.

The snake man, Percy King, will attend the event with his exotic animals including, snakes, alligators and hedgehogs. GT Collision and Ole Brook Cruisers will host a car show throughout the day.

Jambalaya plates from Donna’s Catering will be pre-sold and available for pick up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. that Saturday. To purchase a ticket, call 601-757-1057. Hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks and baked goods will be for sale throughout the day.

Barkfest will also host the Brookminster Dog Show at 2 p.m.  Special guest judges include Jo Beth Britt of “Best Paws Forward” in Vicksburg and Brandon Doty of “True K9” in Ridgeland.  Categories for this years show include Most Mysterious Breed, Most Vocal, Most Terrific Trick, Most Obedient, Most Original Costume, Most Handsome Male, Most Glamorous Female, Best Smile, Wiggliest Bum and Mirror. Pre-registration is $5 per category or $25 for unlimited categories.

BARL volunteers will have adoptable dogs on site all day, Adcock said. Barkfest was an idea created by the students of the Mississippi School of the Arts Bark Club. The idea behind the event was to celebrate rescue pets and their families while raising awareness and funds for BARL.

All dogs brought to Barkfest must be leashed, current on vaccinations and well behaved. For more information on Barkfest, visit www.barl.net or email samanthasivils@gmail.com