Now that the weather is warmer, local pet lovers want somewhere to run around with their pups. If you don't want to stay in your own backyard, go to one of the off-leash dog parks in the area.

There are several locations throughout the Mid-South where dogs can enjoy the freedom of being off-leash and owners don't have to fear their furry friends running out into the street.

Safe, fenced-in areas are available to the public, and the only necessity for most is that the dog be up-to-date on vaccinations.

1. Shelby Farms Dog Park: The most well-known and largest in the area. The park has recently finished updates to the area which includes water, a wooded area and large fields. There is a separate entrance for the dog area, located off of Trinity Road at Gate 12.

Ten local high schools will be participating in a fundraising event for the Mid-South Food Bank. The University of Memphis College of Engineering Administration Building will hold the event in their second story lobby. It is sponsored by the West Tennessee Branch American Society of Civil Engineers Younger Members Group.

Each high school will have three hours to construct a sculpture made entirely out of full cans. Every school will have a professional civil engineer as well as a civil engineering student to offer advice and answer questions throughout the "Canstruction."

Bartlett, Collierville, East, Harding Academy, Kingsbury, Ridgeway, St. Bennedict at Auburndale, St. Agnes Academy, St. MAry's and Whitestation are among the participating high schools.

This year's event will mark the sixth year of the competition.

You're invited to Come and taste Memphis’ best chocolate desserts, candies, cookies, ice cream, pastries and other chocolate treats from over 30 vendors.  The 27th Annual Chocolate Fantasy benefiting the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 11:00am-5:00pm at Oak Court Mall.   Enjoy music, entertainment, live auction and games in the Food Court Area.   

 Some of the participating vendors are:  Draper’s Catering, Sam’s Club, Subway, Cookie Florist, YoLo Frozen Yogurt, Brown Baguette Bakery & Cafe, Chick-Fil-A, Crepe Maker, Delta Pecan Orchard, Dinstuhl’s, Wade & Company Catering, Firehouse Subs, Gibson’s Donuts, Godiva Chocolatiers, Just Catering, Makeda’s Homemade Cookies, Carmela’s Caffe, Ciao Bella , Costco, TCBY, Nestle, Blue Bell, Great American Cookies and many more...........

 Tickets are $16 in advance and $18 day of event.