Bermuda Bark in the Park will be hosting a free dog festival this spring.

Gino Brangman, one of the founders of the event, has been a dog trainer for nearly fifty years. He has worked for the parks department and as a dog warden for the Bermuda Government.

“I’m an ex-dog warden. I’m considered to be one of the best dog trainers on the island. I tried to get the government to put dog parks in place, ten to 15 years ago,” said Mr Brangman, who also runs Bermuda Island Dogs, a dog training company.

“They promised it, and it didn’t happen. What I’m trying to do is not just a fun thing but an educational thing,”

The date and location for the dog festival is still to be decided.

“It’s being planned. The date has not been solidified yet because we want to reach out to the people and the dog community to get better participation by the community,” Mr Brangman said.

Malisa Swan, cofounder and event co-ordinator, added: “March 17, 2024 was a date we were going for. Unfortunately, we may have to change the date of the event as we are looking to have the event for the community and also making the event educational — bringing in dog speakers from all over the world and inviting the international dog community to the island.”

Swan noted the festival will include a children’s zone, face painting, dog yoga, a dog parade with a variety of dog breeds, story time, multiple dog contests, vendors with dog-specific goods and services, and food and snack vendors.

The dog contests will be held for Bermuda’s cutest puppy, most awesome eyes in Bermuda, BDA gorgeous golden oldie, best junior handler, fabulous fella, loveliest lady, best rescue, waggiest tail and best-dressed dog on the island.

An award for “Dog mayor would most like to take home in St George’s” will also be given. At the end of the day, the winners will compete in the best in show contest.

The organisers encourage all dog breeds, crossbreeds and pedigrees to enter.

Ms Swan noted: “event judges will include Tori Moulder, aka Mary Puppins, and assistant Jocy, who will also offer $5 dog photography.”

Mr Brangman stressed the educational element of this year’s festival and said he hopes the event will improve public opinion of the island’s four-legged occupants.

“A lot of people don’t really see the nice side of dogs in the community, and I want to try and bring that back,” said Mr Brangman.

The festival will run from 11am to 6pm. The event is free, but event organisers encourage a minimum $6 donation per adult for the SPCA.

Swan added that individuals in need of community service hours can volunteer at the event. Bermuda Bark in the Park is also looking for sponsors for the event.

Dogs must be leashed at the festival, and organisers encourage participants to bring poop bags to keep the festival space clean.

• For more information, email bdadogfest@gmail.com or contact Mr Brangman at gno@ibl.bm.