Thousands of dogs and their owners will congregate at Lake Eola next month as an annual tradition and fundraiser returns to Central Florida.

Pet Alliance invites animal lovers to the 31st edition of Paws in the Park on Feb. 8. Visitors can enjoy the signature pet costume contest featuring "celebrity" judges and cash prizes, followed by a full day of human and canine activities.

Festivities include dock diving for dogs, lure courses, a beer garden, food trucks, shopping and pet adoption opportunities. Pet Alliance's mobile vet unit will be on-site with free vaccines.

"We are very proud to host the largest pet festival in the United States right here in Orlando," said Steve Bardy, Pet Alliance's executive director, in a news release. "Each year, Paws in the Park gets bigger, and it's so exciting and heartwarming to see our amazing animal-loving community grow. ... We are officially counting down to see all of our special guests enjoy the adorable costume contest, incredible dock diving for dogs and much more amusement, entertainment and activities."

The event serves as a fundraiser for Pet Alliance, which helps to save more than 4,000 dogs and cats annually. The fundraising goal for this festival is $210,000, of which 46 percent already has been raised, according to the event's website.

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Paws in the Park is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 8 at 512 E. Washington St. in Orlando. The event is free and open to the public, but fundraising is encouraged before and during the event. More information: petallianceorlando.org or pawsinthepark.org