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Get ready to wag those tails and lace up your running shoes because Parks and Paws is bounding back to Goose Creek State Park on May 4 with more excitement than ever. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the park will be alive with furry festivities, featuring not only a vibrant festival but also thrilling 5K and 1K “Scratch and Sniff” runs kicking off at 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. And yes, your four-legged companions are invited to join in the fun on these scenic walks.

Participants in the run will fetch a fantastic gift bag stuffed with a fetching T-shirt, a trendy bandana, and other tail-wagging goodies. Registration can be done in advance or on the day of the event, so no excuses—let’s make this a pawsome day!

The festival promises a fur-tastic lineup of events and exhibits, including captivating demonstrations on basic dog obedience, cat trap/neuter/release initiatives, heart-pounding search and rescue showcases, and a special appearance by the four-legged heroes of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department. Explore booths brimming with information on all things animal-related and enjoy activities for the little ones, including a bouncing tent that’s sure to delight.

This annual extravaganza is made possible by Goose Creek State Park and the Humane Society, uniting animal lovers across the county for a great cause. Not only is it a celebration of our furry friends, but it’s also a fundraiser benefiting the Humane Society. Proceeds go towards funding the vital voucher program for county cats and supporting efforts to spay/neuter every adopted animal from the county shelter.

Join us as we unleash the joy and support a worthy cause—it’s going to be paw-some!

For more information, call the park office at 252-923-2191 or email goose.creek@ncparks.gov.

Online registration is required at RunSignUp.com. Race packet pick up on Friday, May 3 from 4-7 p.m. at the Visitor Center. For same-day pick up of your race packet, please arrive prior to the start of the race.