Fun in Florence for the Alabama Charge on Pickwick Lake

While Alabama Charge anglers are working on the water, fan fun will be happening on the shore. Highlights include a professional dog-jumping show by the Super Retriever Series.

While Alabama Charge anglers are working on the water, fishing fans can be playing on shore.

The fan fun will happen at McFarland Park in Florence, Ala., on Friday and Saturday, April 8-9, with most activities beginning at 1 p.m. CT.

Highlights include the Eukanuba Super Dock Bass, Duck and Dog Village, an event brought to the park Friday and Saturday by the Super Retriever Series, a professional dog-jumping circuit. Spectators are invited to watch dogs run down a platform and leap into a 40-foot-long pool of water. Distance is the goal — the 2010 champion leaped more than 28 feet.

The Super Retriever Series welcomes dog owners who would like to give it a try by signing their dog up for amateur division jumps. Preregistration is not required, and there’s a small fee. (There’s no admission fee to watch.) In a separate division, kids ages 15 and younger can enter with their dogs, and instruction will be provided.

Also on Saturday, the final day, a free concert by The Decoys will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until 3 p.m. Local vendors will be offering arts, crafts, food and kids activities.

The main events of the Alabama Charge are the Elite Series weigh-ins at McFarland Park, Wednesday-Saturday, April 6-9. They will begin each day at 4 p.m. CT.