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It goes without saying, the most difficult volunteer positions to fill at Dogfest are the pooperscoopers.

With more than 15,000 people expected to attend and close to 8,000 dogs expected for the Father's Day weekend event, PAWS event organizer Lois Corwin said those who do fill those positions are greatly appreciated by both canine and human companions.

A designated "pooperie" area will be provided as well as baggies for dog owners. Dog drinking fountains and cool-off areas are also a commodity at the all-about-dogs eighth annual festival at Voice of America Park.

"There will be all kinds of entertainment, everything from the flying frisbee canines to agility demonstration to doggy games," Corwin said.

Tracy Custer, director of the Southwest Ohio Flying Canines, along with her husband Adrian, have orchestrated contests for more than 100 participants, including a distance and accuracy Frisbee event, a freestyle event and a new relay event, in which teams of two dogs and handlers try to accumulate 100 yards of throws and catches in the shortest amount of time possible.

Though this is considered a local competition, many of the competitors have regional and national titles. Participants are expected from the surrounding states, and as far away asGeorgia.

"Even at the highest level, it's more for the fun and glory of saying you're a world finalist," Custer said.

Adrian and the couple's dog, Blade, were the 2005 single-disc world champions. Four of the Custer's dogs have been to national and world-level events at least once.

But for those who aren't quite as serious about competition, Custer said the distance and accuracy event is the one to try, especially if Fido enjoys playing fetch.

But even if people don't have a pet at home, the summer festival complete with food, games, prizes and entertainment is for everyone, Corwin said.

A veterinarian from the All Creatures Animal Hospital will entertain visitors with his musical act, Dr. Dan and the Stray Dog Band.

The park's year-round dog area, Wiggly Field, will be decorated with six special fire hydrants, decorated by area Youth Arts Council members and students from Hopewell Junior and Liberty Junior schools. Ben Dibble, co-founder of Children's Performing Arts of Lakota, said the hydrants are expected to be installed at the expanded Wiggly Field this week.

"Every summer we try to do an art project," he said. "It's very hard to get a project that's out in the community. All my kids want to reach out to the community and share their talent with the community. Visual art is probably the hardest one to do it with. ? They spend a lot of time slaving away in the art room on art that rarely gets seen."

But this project, he said, will stand out. Dibble primed and sealed the YAC hydrant and more than 20 children painted it. Even though dogs can't see the color, he said students did joke about painting cats on a hydrant just to see what

happened.

"One interesting thing about art is you never know what to do until you do it. We went through several plans as we went along. It really is a great opportunity to put creative minds to work," he said.

And just in case dogs especially like the hydrants, Dibble sealed the final piece, to protect it. "It has many, many, many coats of polyurethane on it."

Proceeds from the event's $7 per car parking fee will benefit PAWS, a no-kill animal shelter, and Corwin said this event will highlight 22 animal rescue groups.

"Animals don't pay attention to city or county lines," she said. "When they're lost, they are lost. If you see a dog that needs a home, adopt one. That's the kind of spirit we try to have at the event."

Entertainment schedule

Saturday

12:15 p.m.: Lakota West Marching Band (Rose Bowl Parade participants).

1 p.m.: Cincinnati Gymnastics Exhibition Team (4- to 7-year-old girls).

1:30 p.m.: West Chester Jazzercise Demonstration.

2 p.m.: "Elvis" will make an appearance.

2:30 p.m.: Parade of Breeds — See a wide variety of purebreds and mixed breeds, too.

3 p.m.: Doggie contests (Do you look like your dog?)

Also featuring, jugglers, magician, face painter, Gapper (the Cincinnati Reds mascot) and more.

Sunday

12:30 p.m.: Lakota West Marching Band.

1 p.m.: Cincinnati Gymnastics Exhibition Team (4- to 7-year-old girls).

1:15 p.m.: Cincinnati Ben-Gals Cheerleaders.

1:30 p.m.: Jazzercise Demonstration.

2 p.m.: "Elvis" will make an appearance.

2:30 p.m.: Doggie contests (Your dog can do what trick?)

Also featuring, jugglers, magician, face painter, a pet psychic and much more.

All of the above is in addition to the vendors, services, agility, Frisbee demos and competitions planned.

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5067 or lhilty@coxohio.com.