Iggy “the piggy,” a white border collie with brown spots, prances across the grass at Durham Central Park. Dressed in a pink chenille costume, with a rug-like headpiece featuring floppy pig ears and a round snout, he and his owners are here to celebrate Durham’s annual Barktoberfest.
Hosted by Durham Parks and Recreation, Beyond Fences, and Tito’s Vodka on Oct. 26, the day promises a blend of friendly competition, live music, food, and, of course, dogs — everything from towering Great Danes dressed as lifeguards to tiny Chihuahuas in fairy wings.
After its inception as “Woofstock” in 2003, the event officially became “Barktoberfest” in 2016. It aims to provide a lively environment to explore the various recreational services Durham Parks and Rec delivers for canine companions.
A woman comforts her baby goldendoodle dressed as a lobster on her shoulder, as the barking dogs, bustling people, and unfamiliar scents become overwhelming. While some dogs quiver beside their owners, glancing around with wide eyes, others strut about as if they are the stars of the show.
More than 300 dog owners are in attendance, many for the first time. Robyn Neaville has become a Barktoberfest regular, though. She has been attending since 2017 with her rescue dog Jax, a cream-colored Italian sheepdog whom she adopted at 14 months. In their first year competing, Jax won third place as a s’more.
Now eight, Jax happily wags his tail, donning his homemade Oreo costume with a pride bandana around his collar. “He really thinks everybody’s here to see him,” Neaville says. For her, this year is another chance to snag a win. “We’re hoping to come home with bragging rights and some swag this time.”
As people happily spend a nickel for a smooch from a wet doggy nose at the “Kissing Booth,” others browse the pet market stalls, checking out products from over 20 local dog businesses, alongside local adoption and foster organizations. Amidst the dog treats galore, food for humans can be found, including Dessert Diva cakes and Colombian specialty coffee from Cafecito’s food truck.
One couple, decked out in tie-dye, heads to the photo booth to capture the memory with their dog. They grin while their appenzeller sennenhund — also in a vibrant tie-dye outfit — sits at their feet surrounded by pumpkins, hay bales, a scarecrow, and autumn flowers.
At the Ellis Crossing Animal Hospital booth, Tyra Everline smiles as she looks at the crowd. “There’s plenty of pet parents out here,” she says. She then proudly introduces her pitbull, Betty White, wearing a princess costume with a light blue cape and a sparkling silver tiara.
“I named her Betty White before [her] personality came out because I was like, ‘She’s like a little old lady,’” Everline says. “Now she has all the feistiness of Betty White and honestly, I’m thankful because I was kind of a shy person. She has definitely helped me socialize more when we’re out in public.”
For local business owner Kate Turlington of Kate’s Critter Care, Barktoberfest is a golden opportunity. “People’s animals are their babies,” Turlington says as she gives out homemade treats from Handsome Hound Dog Treats.
Live music by the Terry Wiley Band draws a spirited crowd of dancers. Their dogs sit to one side, matching their playful barks to the tunes. Soon, however, the rush to sign up for the contest becomes a flurry of activity, with dog owners eagerly enrolling their pups in the individual and group categories.
Raleigh’s Bill Young, news anchor at CBS17, takes to the microphone, introducing the guest judges for the costume contest. A mix of local leaders, including state Senator Mike Woodard, community advocate Carolyn Rogers, North Carolina Utilities Commission Commissioner Floyd McKissick, state Representative Vernetta Alston, and Durham Fire Chief Bobby Zoldos, sit under a tent across the stage.
Around 40 dogs register for the individual category, and Young lures every dog with a treat as they shuffle onto stage.
Among the contenders is Doctor Sauce the trauma surgeon, a bumblebee, two tacos back-to-back, an inmate, Michael Myers, Winnie the Pooh, and Chelsea the pitbull, dressed as a Hershey bar.
The tension mounts as Senator Woodard announces the individual costume winners.
In third place is a duo dressed as “Chinese Zombies,” donning black robes with purple paper talismans inspired by the Chinese folklore creature “Jiangshi.” The runner-up, a German Shepherd with a painted skeleton costume and a radiologist owner, is celebrated as “X-Ray Dog.”
After a brief drumroll, Senator Woodard raps his announcement into the mic. The grand prize, presented by two children, goes to “Snoop Dog,” a sleek black Chihuahua wearing a black T-shirt and a thick gold chain.
Much to the surprise of some audience members, Jax’s homemade Oreo costume doesn’t make the cut. Durham locals Kristy and Kris Miller are quick to voice their disappointment: “Oreo should’ve won. Come on, double-stuffed. Very creative and homemade. Oreo was robbed!”
Neaville, taking it in stride, gives Jax a quick hug. “It’s handmade and everything, so that was a disappointment,” she admits, “but I’m glad some kids got it.”
Pictured above: Costumed canines “Iggy the Piggy,” Shiner and Jax make the scene at Barktoberfest. Photos by Abigail Bromberger — The 9th Street Journal
