Dogs and their owners are expected to crowd Cedar Bark Park in Veterans Memorial Park on April 19 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. for the inaugural Cedar Bark Festival.

Organizers with the Cedar Park Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of Cedar Bark Park group said attendees can expect dog contests, trick competitions and more. The event is free; proceeds from vendors and guest donations benefit the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, said Laura Krouse, treasurer of Friends of Cedar Bark Park.

"We've got about 30 vendors which will include different dog-related booths, so a lot of nonprofit rescue organizations will be represented," Krouse said.

Activities at the event include an ugliest-dog competition, a dog costume contest, a photo booth, a tricks showcase and auditions for dog races and agility shows, city organizers said. Members of the Hutto-based Central Texas Disc Dogs club will give a demonstration at 11 a.m., Krouse said.

"What I'm concerned about is that we'll not have time for everything," Krouse said.

Dogs are welcome to the festival under the 5-acre park's existing rules, such as limiting people to only two leashed dogs. Pet owners will also receive cleanup bags, she said.

Krouse said she fell in love with Cedar Bark Park in fall 2013. In January she approached the city to suggest a dog festival and found a welcome reception. The event is a good way for people to find a new pet to adopt and introduce their dogs to the new addition, she said.

City organizers are planning a similar event next year, she said.

"It's been a lot of fun to set up," Krouse said. "I just hope the weather holds out. I'm so excited about the community being able to come out and have a free event. The community's going to be able to appreciate this park even more and make it an even better park than it already is."