Photo by Town of Cornelius

Sept. 25. The 25th annual All-American Dog Show returns Sunday, bringing together hundreds of dogs and their owners for a day of festivities and contests.

The event, organized by Cornelius Parks and Recreation, will be held on the grass field at Robbins Park in Cornelius. Attendance is free and open to the public, but registration is required for contests, which include Best Dressed, Best Owner Lookalike, Best Pooch Smooch, Fluffiest Coat and Most Ear-Resistable Ears.

In addition to the contests, attendees can visit pet-related vendors, snap photos at a pet-friendly photo booth and try their paws at an agility course. On-site concessions will include CFT Bistro, Handels Ice Cream and Eleven Lakes Brewing

Festivities, including on-site registration and check-in, begin at 2 p.m. The Shelter Strut Kick-Off Parade starts at 2:30 p.m., and contests run from 2:45 to about 5 p.m.

Early-bird registration is $6 and day-of registration is $10. The fee includes entry into up to two contests and a special gift for the first 100 registrants. Additional contests cost $3 each.

Chairs are allowed, but smoking, tents and glass containers are prohibited.