By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Perfect fall weather coupled with many volunteers, vendors and more made for a successful inaugural Barktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Helena Amphitheater.

Dogs both big and small were seen at the amphitheater as the event was hosted by Two by Two Animal Rescue in Helena.

The event lasted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and included hot air balloon lifts, discounted vaccination and microchip clinic, pony rides, photo booths, food trucks, a dog park, bake sale, a dog wash, gift shop, adoption center, adopted dog reunion, face painting and a kid’s zone.

The dogs also had an off-leash area to play while families enjoyed Saw’s Bar-B-Q, funnel cakes, candied apples and more.

Two by Two Animal Rescue Executive Director Sonya King was seen interacting all day with the different dog breeds and owners and said choosing Helena as the location for the event was an “easy choice.”

“There are a lot of dog festivals around the Birmingham area and this is something we wanted to offer to those in the Helena community and the nearby community,” said King. “It’s a natural spot for us to choose because we do a lot of work for Helena as far as rescuing so it was a easy choice.”

Dog owners and their pets were seen roaming the amphitheater all day enjoying the weather, food trucks and vendors as well as just interacting with other dogs and dog owners.

There was also an adoption that occurred where a woman traveled from Wisconsin to Helena to visit family and also adopt a dog in the process.

King said she is very passionate about animal rescue and said her favorite thing is seeing hope restored in the animal.

“If I had to choose my favorite thing about doing rescue it would be when we can see in the eyes of a dog that hope has been restored,” said King. “It’s an amazing thing to witness.”

Two by Two Animal Rescue is a 501 C (3) not-profit, no-kill organization that began in 2002.

For more information on Two by Two, visit Twobytworescue.com.