A new bronze memorial sculpture, “Best Friend,” designed by local Belfast sculptor, Gary Cooper, will be revealed at a dedication ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 4 - 4:30 p.m. The event will take place just outside of the Belfast Dog Park, located at the Walsh Field Recreation Area, 128 Lincolnville Road (Route 52).

"This event isn’t just for the people, but for the dogs too," said the City of Belfast Parks and Recreation Dept., in a news release.

Make your way from the parking lot, down the sidewalk, past the restrooms, to the memorial site, just before the sidewalk bears right toward the entrance to the Belfast Dog Park.

Belfast Mayor Eric Sanders will serve as the emcee, and two local charities will also be on hand to say a few words about local animal supporters. The charities will include Waldo County Pet Food Pantry and the Safe Harbor Sanctuary. Cooper will also say a few words about his vision and design for the “Best Friend” sculpture.

"This kind of collaboration has been a wonderful experience," said Parks and Rec Director Pam Salokangas. "Gary reached out to the Belfast Parks and Recreation Department to inquire about the possibility of executing this project, and since then, the ball has been rolling downhill toward this very special day to include Belfast City Council’s approval to finishing the sculpture to choosing the granite. It has been a pleasure working with Gary as he has been excited about every step and has been an active participant in every decision. We are very proud to host this special memorial for ‘All of Our Best Friends.’” 

Invited to the ceremony are the general public, all Belfast Dog Park users, and anyone who supports the two charities noted above.

"We encourage you to bring your dogs too," said the news release. "Some special treats will be available for the four-leggeds."

If for some reason there is inclement weather, please watch the City Facebook page for weather updates. The rain date will be Friday, October 17, at 4 p.m., in the same location.

View flyer of the event on second page of the bellow attachment.