Updated: September 27, 2011 10:14AM

AURORA — The Fox Valley Park District will have a free “Paws in the Park” festival Sunday at Lincoln Park in Aurora.

From 2 to 4 p.m., dog owners are invited to bring their pets to the event, hosted in conjunction with the Fox Valley Animal Welfare League.

The outing will feature local representatives and resources on animal care, pet-related products and gifts, rescue organizations, behavior and obedience specialists and demonstrations, a blessing of the animals, police dog demonstrations, contests for dogs and prize drawings.

Dogs will be able to run off-leash in the fenced-in play area. Park District dog tags for the Lincoln Park Dog Park — providing season-long use of the dog park — will be available for purchase. Residents who do not have a 2011 Park District dog tag will be allowed to use the dog park that day for $1, provided the dog has a current rabies tag.

All dogs must have a current rabies tag to enter the park.

Before the event, the Animal Welfare League will have a Walk for the Animals at 10:30 a.m.

The Park District also will be providing information on its new dog park on Gregory Island, off Indian Trail between Routes 31 and 25.

Lincoln Park is on Aurora’s West Side, at South Harrison Avenue just north of Prairie Street and east of Elmwood Drive.