Dog days of summer at Chattanooga Market

Chattanooga Market is known for its variety of fresh local produce and crafts made by local artists, but this Sunday it's the place to check out a variety of dog breeds.

The market is honoring man's best friend with its annual Bark for Life fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Pet owners can bring their leashed dogs into the pavilion to compete in fun games such as dog/owner look-alikes and best-dressed.

But to bring a pet, owners need to register with Christy Johnson at www.relayforlife.org/relay/barkforlife or call 499-2603. Johnson said advance registration is $20 per dog/owner team, which includes a T-shirt for the owner, bandanna for the dog and a pet/owner photo. Registration is $25 Sunday.

Johnson said that the ACS will have wading pools filled with water on-site for pets to cool down.

"Last year, some dogs would go play in the water or just lie in it," she said. She also recommended owners bring bottled water for themselves and their pets during the one-mile walk.

The one-mile fun walk for pets and owners kicks off Bark for Life at 1 p.m. Once everyone returns to the pavilion, there will be a round of musical dogs, which is musical chairs without the seats. In this version, the last dog to sit on the floor beside their owner when the music stops is out.

"This is a fundraiser so people take pledges, ask for sponsorships and donations," said Johnson. "The Top 12 fundraisers' dogs will get their pictures in a 2012 calendar published by the American Cancer Society. The one who raises the most gets the cover."

Best-dressed dog and dog/owner look-alike contests start at 3:30 p.m.

Farm-fresh produce available in Sunday's market will include peaches, berries, greens and beans.

Pavilion visitors will be entertained by Dustin Overbeek, a Nashville singer/songwriter, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Sugar Lime Blue takes the stage at 2 p.m.