The Alumni Association and the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted Bark at the Park during the baseball home game against the University of Central Arkansas. 

The Bark at the Park event started in 2019, this being its sixth year, missing 2020 because of Covid. 

Amanda McDaniel, the head of the Alumni Association, said that the main goal of the event was to bring baseball fans and dog lovers for a fun pet-friendly event, all the while supporting the baseball team. 

“Baseball and dogs are both incredibly popular, making their combination a winning formula for a successful event each year,” McDaniel said. 

At the event, the new A-State College of Veterinary Medicine handed out retractable water bowls, frisbees, treats, bandanas and pins.

From big to small, old to young, every type of dog was invited to the event.

“I love seeing all the dogs,” McDaniel said, “This event brings together all breeds of pups, and it’s so much fun to watch everyone interact with them.” 

Riley Walthall, a 22-year-old woman from Cabot, Arkansas, attended the event with her dogs Willow and Rosie.

“They love playing hard and playing together and they love meeting new dogs,” Riley Walthall said. 

Riley Walthall said that her favorite part of the event was getting to see how her dogs interacted with others. 

“I didn’t realize how many dogs would be out here. Honestly, there’s a lot more out here than I expected,” she said. “Getting to see them interact and meet new puppies was really neat.”

While she’s never attended Bark at the Park, Riley Walthall said she goes to the games every week.

She said she came to the event because it combined dogs and baseball.

“I love baseball and I love my dogs so why not have an event where you can do both?” Walthall said. 

Riley Walthall’s sister, Jordan Walthall, attended the event with her and brought her labradoodle, Cash.

“He’s super outgoing. He loves to get in our trash and he is always ready to play with other dogs,” Jordan Walthall said. 

She said the event was a great way for people to show up to the games.

“They share their love of their pets and their love of baseball. So it’s definitely bringing in a lot more people than it really does just on a week to week basis,” Jordan Walthall said.

With Bark at the Park going on by the Alumni Association, Day at the Park, hosted by the Student Activities Board, was going on during the game as well. SAB’s event included free jerseys and hats, food and cornhole. 

“Day at the Park doesn’t always take place on the same date, but alumni love the chance to connect with students,” McDaniel said. “It also serves as a relaxed networking opportunity for students to engage with alumni.”

Both sisters said that it was a great event and would recommend it as it gave their dogs the opportunity to have fun and get out.

“Dogs and baseball,” McDaniel said. “What’s not to love?” 

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