The Coastal Humane Society is preparing for its 11th annual Paws for a Cause 5K, Walk and Festival at L.L.Bean, taking place Saturday, August 27.

The event will feature a 5K and Walk circling the L.L.Bean Campus and many new events in the expanded Paws for a Cause Festival, held out of Discovery Park at L.L.Bean immediately following the 5K and Walk.

The festival includes live music, food trucks, demonstrations, contests, a shelter dog kissing booth, a photo booth, and more - even a “Worst in Show” competition, which is, according to Director of Programs and Community Relations Chris Wolff, akin to an amateur Best in Show competition.

“If you’ve ever wanted to see how your dog would do at Westminster, this event is for you. We’ll be giving out prizes for anything that gives the audience a laugh,” said Wolff. “No experience necessary – in fact, we prefer no experience! It will be quite entertaining.”

The popular Canine Contests for Best Kisser, Best Dressed, Best Tail-Wagger, Best Barker, and Best Pet/Owner Look a-like will return this year, and the festival features several events for children including face painting and a Teddy Bear Clinic with Dr. Mandie Wehr, shelter veterinarian.

The Upbeat K9, Ligoro Obedience Training, North Edge K9, the Bath Police Department and the Freeport Police Department will perform dog demonstrations.

Coastal Humane Society is also pleased to welcome special guest Rescue Road author Peter Zheutlin as a guest speaker the day of the event, and also in a special presentation on Friday, August 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the L.L.Bean Main Store camping atrium. He will describe his New York Times best-selling book and his experience following animal rescuer Greg Mahle, who has traveled over a million miles and pulled thirty thousand dogs from harm’s way.

Paws for a Cause runners and walkers are encouraged to participate in the 5K or Walk with their dogs, and can earn prizes as well, including a water bottle, sport tote and L.L.Bean gift card up to $100 in value. Registration for the Walk and/or 5K is $25 per person, and registrants receive a 2016 event T-shirt.

All proceeds from Paws for a Cause will benefit the Coastal Humane Society, which recently partnered with Lincoln County Animal Shelter. Combined, the two shelters now care for 4,000 animals annually, and support for their work is needed more than ever before.

“Paws for a Cause is a great opportunity for the public to get out and enjoy a wonderful day in the beautiful L.L. Bean Commons,” said Joe Montisano, executive director for Coastal Humane Society and Lincoln County Animal Shelters.  “You can run or walk the route with your dog, enjoy a fun day of activities, and at the same time support the Coastal Humane Society and Lincoln County Animal Shelters.”

For the complete Paws for a Cause schedule, or to register or donate to Paws for a Cause, please visit the event website at coastalhumanesociety.org/paws or call 449-1366.