The Thomaston Dog Park Association (TDPA) marked its 10th Anniversary in joyful style this past weekend with a one-of-a-kind event, Concert in the Bark, featuring a live performance by the MidCoast Community Band, conducted by Jo Anne Parker. 

The event was coordinated by TDPA Board Members Lauren Siebert—who is also a member of the Midcoast Community Band—and Vice Chair, Polly Buckwalter Gibson, bringing together music lovers, dog enthusiasts, and community members for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and furry friends at the Thomaston Dog Park, widely regarded as 'The Best Dog Park in Maine'. 

“This event marks the Thomaston Dog Park’s 10th anniversary and caps off a tremendous year of growth for us,” said Board Chairman Seth Silverton. “We've enjoyed tremendous support from our community and we really wanted to give back by hosting this event. It's kind of a thank you to the humans and dogs who make this park part of their lives. We’re thrilled to have partnered with the MidCoast Community Band and couldn’t be happier with how this thing turned out. The band played inside the park—and everyone seemed to really enjoy the music! We are tremendously grateful to the band members who came out today and helped make our 10th Anniversary so special. It was such a success that we’re already talking about making it an annual tradition.” 

During the 45-minute performance, many dogs wandered up to sit quietly beside the musicians while they played, creating a heartwarming—and occasionally humorous—scene.

“We weren’t sure how mixing dogs and musicians was going to go,” Silverton added, “but it went better than any of us had hoped.” 

Following the concert, attendees enjoyed a community meal featuring classic cookout fare—hot dogs, baked beans, salads, and a giant birthday cake—celebrating a decade of the park’s success and the ongoing dedication of the volunteers who make it possible.

The Thomaston Dog Park Association would like to thank the MidCoast Community Band, all event volunteers, and the community members who came out to celebrate.

Donations to support the maintenance and continued improvement of the Thomaston Dog Park can be made via the TDPA Facebook page or by scanning the QR code posted at the park.

Founded in 2015, the Thomaston Dog Park Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe, welcoming space for dogs and their owners to exercise, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors. The TDPA continues to operate through community support, volunteer efforts, and donations.