Maryland SPCA’s 21st annual March for the Animals will take place on Sunday, April 24, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Druid Hill Park in Baltimore. Animal lovers and their four-legged friends are invited to participate in the 1.5 mile walk-a-thon and family fun festival to help raise funds to provide care, shelter, food, spay/neuter procedures and medication for the homeless pets who come to the MD SPCA this year.

In addition to the 1.5 mile walk-a-thon around the lake in Druid Hill Park, the fun-filled day will feature adoptable dogs from the MD SPCA and other local shelters and rescue groups, a demonstration by Mid-Atlantic Disc Dogs, low-cost microchipping, a “flea-less” market of pet friendly vendors, musical sit for dogs, a pet agility course, and a pet costume contest judged by celebrity guests. Baltimore Ravens Michael Campanaro will be available for free autographs and photos at the Ravens tent. There will also be a kids’ zone, photo booth and food vendors. Maryland SPCA behavior experts will be on hand to answer any pet-related behavior questions and offer pet training tips.

“We have so much fun planned,” said Eric DeCosta, assistant general manager for the Baltimore Ravens and March for the Animals chairperson. “We’re encouraging everyone to attend—past participants, pet adopters, pet lovers and anyone who wants to make a difference in our community. You don’t have to have a pet to attend.”

Last year’s March raised $429,000 for homeless pets. Since the first March in 1995, more than $4.7 million has been raised. This year’s goal is $430,000.

Participants can register individually or form a team “Pack” at www.marchfortheanimals.org and create personal fundraising pages. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers, as well as the top fundraising team or Pack. Event-day registration for the walk-a-thon opens at 9 a.m. and starting line ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m. Druid Hill Park is located at 3001 East Drive, Baltimore, 21217. The event will take place rain or shine.