Families will enjoy harvest festival activities including a petting zoo, dancing shows and a pumpkin patch during Founders/Harvest community celebrations in Carmichael Park, Oct. 5.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Two October events will fill Carmichael Park with fall festivities.

The community hosts Founders Day/Harvest celebrations on Oct. 5.  A week later, on Oct. 12, the park will go to the dogs.

Keeping up more than a century of tradition, entertainers, vintage cars and kids’ activities will celebrate the old colony’s 115th birthday next weekend.

Previously known as Founders Day, the re-imagined festival incorporates many family activities. A pumpkin patch is just the start: barnyard critters will be on hand for petting; kids can dabble in crafts and cavort in bounce castles.

Dance students will tip-toe through the pumpkins in celebration of the Founders/Harvest festival in Carmichael Park on Oct. 5. 

Because Founders Day commemorates a 1909 real estate venture by Daniel Carmichael, incorporating a 21st century harvest celebration makes sense. Colony pioneers depended on home-grown produce. A harvest plant sale by Carmichael Community Gardens volunteers will continue the historic horticultural theme on Oct. 5.

The founding anniversary also includes the area’s largest vintage car show and much retail entrepreneurism.  Youth performances will include martial arts and dance school presentations. Food trucks will offer refreshments, and live bands will encourage further frivolity.

Carmichael goes to the dogs the following Saturday, Oct. 12. In the second annual “Barktober” event, dogs and owners will celebrate friendship, fashion and footwork.  Fundraising for Carmichael Dog Park, the day of dogs also promotes pet-oriented businesses.

“This is Carmichael’s most dog-friendly park,” noted event organizer Rosie Buck. Proud mistress to a rescued Labrador, Buck enjoys the park’s dog enclosure and feels the amenity could benefit from community TLC. “Every dollar we raise at Barktober helps the dog park,” she said. “As a President of the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, I encourage sponsorship. This will be a special day for the community.”

A fancy-dress parade for pets and owners is among Carmichael Park’s “Barktober” festival events, Oct. 12.

The festival includes a demonstration by Roseville Police Department’s fearless canine team. Later on, doggie dance events will kick off.

“Don’t think your pet has to be Fred Astaire,” says Buck, “It’s fine to dance with your dog in your arms. He'll love it.”

Obedience training techniques will be demonstrated by All Stage Canine Development instructor, Miranda Viani – who just happens to be the community’s Honorary Mayor.

A pet costume contest begins at 11:15 a.m. Fashion categories include best-owner-and-dog duo and most unique outfits. A “Tiny but Mighty” category gives center-stage to small breeds. So other species are not forgotten, a “best dressed pet” division welcomes haute couture in domestic animals of any kind.

A pumpkin patch, DJ music, merchant booths and craft sales are part of the event. Refreshments including hot dogs may be purchased from food trucks.

Harvest/Founder Festival (Oct. 5) sponsors include Mission Oaks and Carmichael Park Districts; Carmichael Parks Foundation; Buck Family Automotive; Supervisor Rich Desmond; Cappuccino Cruisers Car Club; Carmichael Kiwanis; School of Rock and A&A Event Production.

Mutts and mascots will cavort during Carmichael “Barktober” festivities, Oct. 12.

Activities run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Barktober is presented by Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, partnering with Carmichael Park District. Other sponsors are All Stage Canine Development and Buck Family Automotive.

Carmichael Park is located at 5750 Grant Ave. Learn about CRPD community events at www.carmichaelpark.com.