In 2023, Sharon Groff, a member of the Misfits on a Mission Relay For Life team, coordinated a Bark For Life event in Ephrata.

The fundraiser was so successful that Groff and her helpers are working to hold the second Ephrata-area Bark For Life, at New Life Fellowship, 420 E. Fulton St., Ephrata, on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free, dog-friendly event will be presented by Blue Ridge Communications and WIOV-FM.

Attending dogs will take center stage if they participate in the Strut Your Mutt parade scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Dogs need not dress up to take part. Registration for the parade will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Working dogs that help humans will be featured at the event. Officer Bill Watt of the East Hempfield Township Police Department and his K-9, Tundra, will demonstrate article search and obedience at 10:30 a.m. Pennsylvania Canine Search and Rescue (PACSAR) will give a demonstration at noon. PACSAR's highly trained and certified volunteers provide free search and rescue services using canines.

At 11 a.m., the fun for pups will continue with doggie activities for a set donation. Bark For Life T-shirts will be included. This year, doggie art has been added to the roster, and owners of dogs that participate will take home a piece of art created by their own pup. A Western-themed photo wall will give owners a chance to have their dog photographed. Photos can be shared at the "Bark For Life Benefit Auction" Facebook page.  "We will do a shell game where we will put treats under (shells) and see which one the dog's nose touches," shared Groff, who added that dogs will receive a treat bag to take home.

Other organizations that will have a presence at the event include Ladies Lending Paws, Charlie's Crusaders Pet Rescue, Leo's Helping Paws, Find Toby in PA, and McGruff the Crime Dog. Groff has also lined up about 30 vendors, mostly crafters with a few home businesses mixed in.

Registration for a benefit auction will begin at noon. Auctioneer James Fishel will put a variety of items up for bids, including themed baskets, gift cards, tickets to area attractions, a 40-inch smart television, and a BioLite FirePit.

"There will be a bake sale with proceeds benefiting Eliannie Animal Rescue and Charlie's Crusaders," said Groff, who pointed out that prizes and giveaway contests will benefit animal rescues. A fill-the-truck donation drive will aid rescues by asking attendees to bring items such as blankets, towels, treats, dog food, and cat food.

First responders and apparatus will be present, including the Ephrata Pioneer Fire Company, the Ephrata Community Ambulance Association, and the Ephrata Police Department.

Food items that will be for sale at the event include hot dogs sold by New Life Fellowship, breakfast sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, fries, funnel cakes, soft pretzels, and cotton candy.

Groff noted that she is still looking for area businesses to donate items for the auction or sponsor the event. Readers who would like to donate may call 717-354-2656 or email sgroff56@gmail.com. More information about the event may be found at http://www.relayforlife.org/barklancasterpa.