If a prize was given at Bark in the Park for the dog who liked playing in the water the most, Ellie Mae, owned by Mollie Boynton of St. Ignace, would have won. The border collie charges into the lake each time a ball is thrown, retrieves it, swims to shore, drops the ball, and shakes off. Last Saturday, she was more interested in swimming than competing at the annual dog contest. Ellie Mae plays the game every day in the summer. “It's her favorite thing to do,” said her owner. From a three-pound Chihuahua to a 130-pound Great Dane, 37 dogs brought their owners along to watch them compete on the waterfront at American Legion Park in St. Ignace Saturday afternoon, June 19.

Dogs were on their best behavior, greeting each other, playing, swimming, and competing -- leaving little time for barking. Smaller dogs stayed close to owners. Leashes were tangled and untangled and water dishes filled and tipped over through the afternoon. Everyone participating seemed to have a good time.

Seven-year-old Alyssa Farraa of St. Ignace loves her dog, Mongo. This is the first time she has entered the five-year-old toy poodle in Bark in the Park competition. “He's having fun,” she said, “and I think it's awesome.” “This is a great event,” said Kathy McMahon of Birmingham, Alabama. “It's a good idea and fun to see the dogs get along.”

Her family spends summers in St. Ignace and entered two Wheaton terriers, Maggie and Gigi, in competition at Bark at the Park.

The event captured the imagination of 11-month-old Bjorn Thor of Vancouver, British Columbia. With his parents, Ainsley and Laurence, the toddler was on a road trip from his Canadian home to visit friends in Frankenmuth. The family had stopped in the park for lunch and enjoyed the unexpected entertainment.

Weighing 130 pounds, Ranger was largest dog at Bark in the Park Saturday. At 10 months of age, the Great Dane still is a puppy and has some growing yet to do, say his owners, Hillary and Brian Vowell (pictured) of St. Ignace. “He hasn't filled out yet,” said Mr. Vowell. Ranger's father weighed 220 pounds. Bark in the Park began with a short walk that started in the park and continued in a loop on South State Street before returning to the park's covered picnic area. There, the animals competed in 12 events, including best in show, friendliest, largest, smallest, shiniest coat, best tail wag, farthest traveled, best smile, cutest, best costume, best trick, and most look-alike to owner.

Most of the smaller dogs were carried for part of the dog walk leading up to the competition. Four-month-old Precious, a Chihuahua and Shih Tzu mix, decided to take a nap, lying down in the middle of the walking trail. A potential traffic jam was quickly averted when her owners lifted her up and carried her the rest of the way.

Uncle Fester's smile earned him second place. “This is the first time I've taken him to anything like this and he's having a blast,” owner Lisa Chapman said. The Pug also traveled the farthest. The family is from Eastport, Maine, about 1,400 miles from St. Ignace, but is visiting here while Lisa's husband, Jomo “Joe” Chapman, helps paint the Mackinac Bridge. Ranger, the Great Dane, at 130 pounds weighed more than most of the children attending the event. The playful 10-month-old puppy happily greeted other dogs.

Showing off their talents, some dogs turned on two hind legs, caught flying disks, and even opened water bottles.

Those registering pets received a T-shirt, while dogs were given a bright orange bandana to have tied around their necks. Each winning dog got to choose a toy.

Wearing red long underwear and adding a dash of attitude, Josey, an eight-year-old Shih Tzu from St. Ignace, captures best costume dressed as “Yooper Dog.” A green, bent brimmed Up North hat and a wooden “Yooper Dog” necklace complete the winning costume. The decision for the outfit was easy, said Peyton Belonga, 11. “Josey's from the U.P. and she likes to wear long underwear.” Bark in the Park was hosted by the Mackinac Animal Aid Association with proceeds from the event used to benefit homeless animals.

Judges were St. Ignace Mayor Paul Grondin, Suzy Ogle, and Kathy Junglas.

Winning dogs, their owners, and home towns are as follows:

Best in Show

Rascal, Molly Dandona, St. Ignace.

Largest Dog

Ranger, Hillary and Brian Vowell, St. Ignace.

Gunnr, a golden retriever, displays his winning smile. The a 16- month-old puppy was named the top dog in two events at Bark in the Park Saturday afternoon, June 19. Gunnar captured first place for best smile and for the cutest dog. He is owned by Jen Tallaire of St. Ignace and handled by Drew Marshall. Shiniest Coat

1. Teddy, Hannah and Summer Sposito, St. Ignace; 2. Trixie, Kim Welch, St. Ignace; 3. Brody, Nicki and Joey Gagnon, St. Ignace.

Smallest Dog

Bella Lou, Melody Montcalm, St. Ignace.

Best Tail Wag

1. Rascal, Molly Dandona, St. Ignace; 2. Solo, Natalee Lee, St. Ignace; 3. Duncan, Molly and Luke Paquin, St. Ignace.

Farthest Traveled

Uncle Fester, Lisa Chapman, Eastport, Maine.

Best Smile

1. Gunnar, Jen Tallaire, St. Ignace; 2. Uncle Fester, Lisa Chapman, Eastport, Maine; 3. Penny, Ginger Valentine, St. Ignace.

Cutest

1. Gunnar, Jen Tallaire, St. Ignace; 2. Ayla, Shelley Geldner, St. Ignace; 3. Teddy, Hannah and Summer Sposito, St. Ignace.

Best Costume

1. Josey, Peyton Belonga, St. Ignace; 2. Sophie, Natalee Lee, St. Ignace; 3. Teddy, Hannah and Summer Sposito, St. Ignace.

Most Look-Alike

1. Rascal, John Daschko, St. Ignace; 2. Moose, Troy Huskey, St. Ignace.

Best Trick

1. Patch, Millianne Curtis, Sand Lake; 2. Solo, Natalee Lee, St. Ignace; 3. Penny, Ginger Valentine, St. Ignace.

Friendliest

1. Katie, Nick and Julia Meier, DeTour; 2. Patch, Millianne Curtis, Sand Lake; 3. Ranger, Hillary and Brian Vowell, St. Ignace.