“Barks & Blooms” to Offer Spring Fun for Pets and People, May 17
Spring Celebration Continues the “Pawsitively Killingly” Initiative Honoring the Town’s Unique Dog-Friendly Business Community and Country-Chic Charm
KILLINGLY, CT (March 31, 2026) – The Killingly Business Association (KBA) is pleased to announce its next “Pawsitively Killingly” event: Barks & Blooms, a spring festival celebrating furry family members, spring flowers, and local artisans. The event will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on the grounds of Killingly Intermediate School. Admission is free, and all leashed, well-behaved dogs and pets are welcome.
A Full Afternoon of Fun for Pets and Their People
Barks & Blooms is designed to be a celebration for the whole family — two-legged and four-legged alike. The festivities kick off at 11:30 AM with a pre-event “Pack Walk,” giving early arrivals a chance to stretch their legs alongside their dogs with a 30-minute walk before the main event begins. All pets must remain leashed at all times throughout the event.
The event officially opens at noon, with a ribbon-cutting and “pawesome” gift bags for the first 50 attendees. Activities will include voting and awards for a pet photo contest conducted by the event’s title sponsor, Charleen’s Portrait Studio; a pet tricks competition; police K-9 bite training demonstration; animal readings and reiki from Above the Clouds; dog training demonstration; paw print memento making; pet-made art masterpiece station; and more.
The festival will also feature live music from Daley DJ, a dog adoption parade featuring adoptable pups from Doggoholic Rescue, and a vendor fair featuring a variety of pet and floral products as well as crafters, artisans and business-sponsored activities. Food trucks Poultry in Motion and Wicked Sinister will also be on-site offering delicious food and rink for festival-goers.
Participating vendors include: Charleen’s Portrait Studio; Bark-Society; Mountain Laurel Floral Designs; Happy Hounds LLC; Author Julia Kneeland; Bark N Crumble; Strout’s Custom Acrylics; Beth’s Creations; Salt & Light Baked Goods; CoCo & Enzo “Eclectic Art”; Little House Sourdough Co LLC; United Methodist Church of Danielson; Paula’s Pet Sitting; Felted Fillies and Friends; Kay’s Creations; Colonial Dog Training; Sophia’s Farmhouse; and others.
For full event details, vendor updates, and more, visit killinglyba.org/barksandblooms or visit the Barks & Blooms page on Facebook.
Building on the Success of Bark Harvest
Barks & Blooms marks the latest chapter in the KBA’s “Pawsitively Killingly” initiative, which launched in the fall of 2025 with the inaugural Bark Harvest festival. That event was an overwhelming success, drawing families, pet owners, and dog lovers from across the region — and raising more than $1,500 for Doggoholic Rescue, a local organization dedicated to finding loving homes for dogs in need. The KBA is proud to carry that momentum into spring with an event that celebrates both the season and the community’s remarkable bond with its four-legged residents.
About the Pawsitively Killingly Initiative
Killingly has developed something truly special: a remarkable concentration of dog-related and dog-themed businesses, particularly along Main Street. From coffee shops that celebrate their canine spirit in their very names, to pet care businesses that cater to the dog-loving community, Phaiah’s Dog Park and more, Killingly stands out as a destination for pet owners.
Dog-themed businesses on Killingly Main Street alone include Bark-Society (a dog groomer and retail shop), Two Dogs Coffee Shop, Chubby Dog Coffee Co. & Gaming Bar, and CrossFit Underdog Union — creating a one-of-a-kind cluster of canine-inspired businesses that reflects the friendly and active heart of this community.
“Killingly has something no other community around us can claim,” said KBA President Jennifer Reynolds. “Our ‘Pawsitively Killingly’ events are a way for us to celebrate that identity, bring people together, and shine a spotlight on the incredible local businesses that make our town so special.”
A Community That Loves Its Dogs
The Pawsitively Killingly initiative represents the KBA’s long-term commitment to celebrating what makes Killingly unique. By shining a light on the town’s dog-friendly businesses and hosting events that bring the whole community together, the KBA hopes to strengthen local pride, support animal welfare, and build on the warm spirit that defines Killingly.
Proceeds from the event will support Doggoholic Rescue’s work as well as future Pawsitively Killingly initiatives. The event is organized through the Killingly Business Association and sponsored by Charleen’s Portrait Studio, with support from BankHometown and Quiet Corner Veterans Support Coalition, as well as Jaylee Stokes Yoga, Monogrammit Plus, Happy Hounds LLC, and Dunn Marketing.
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EVENT DETAILS
Event: Barks & Blooms
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Killingly Intermediate School Grounds, Killingly, CT
Admission: Free
Website: killinglyba.org/barksandblooms
