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A howler of an event

A howler of an event

Hounds and humans will be encouraged to wear their spookiest attire for the Mt Somers Rugby Club Halloween Bark Up on November 2.

The event will be at the Mt Somers Rugby Club Rooms, and prizes will be given for the best-dressed and the canine with the best bark.

"It's a competition to see whose dog can bark the loudest and strongest on command.

"The dog should keep barking until you tell them to stop," says Mt Somers Rugby Club team manager Michael Donaldson.

The main bark-up is a good chance for farmers to show off their working dogs, but pets won't miss their moment in the spotlight—although owners be warned: if their dogs don't perform, they will be the ones barking.

"There is a toy dog bark up, which is more of a laugh than anything.

"If they don't bark, their owners will have to get down on all fours and bark instead."

There will also be a competition for the best-dressed dog and owner.

Everyone is welcome to enter, including children.

Over $3500 in prizes are up for grabs, including cash prizes for place getters, a $1200 voucher from Allenton Auto for tyres, and a $400 voucher for Mt Potts Lodge.

The Bark Up will raise money to maintain the club's changing rooms.

"We have a five-year plan to build onto the changing rooms and update the inside of the club rooms.

"The money raised will go towards that."

With the Bark Up falling in November and the Foothills Young Farmers Club Movember Ball coming up on December 6, the Bark Up marks the start of moustache growing season in honour of Movember, an initiative to support men's health.

Those participating in Movember are encouraged to come clean-shaven to the Bark Up for before-photos. Moustaches will be judged at the ball the following month.

Donaldson won't be participating in Movember, though.

"I've got a beard, and if I shaved it off, my wife would kill me.

"I've done it once before, and she nearly killed me; I wouldn't be stupid enough to try that again."

By Claire Inkson