For the past three years, dogs and their people have gathered en masse down by the sea to celebrate all things canine at the annual K-9 Pals Dog Festival & Great Ball Drop. In addition to pet products for perusing, the event includes its now famous Great Ball Drop. This year, 1,000 tennis balls will be hoisted into the sky and then released to fall onto a custom-designed, Bingo-like prize board back on terra firma. The grand prize is an iPad and a $250 gift certificate. The day also includes dog contests, agility and police K-9 demonstrations, food, live music, and adoptable doggies. The festival takes place Saturday, September 29, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Chase Palm Park (323 E. Cabrillo Blvd.). For info, call (805) 570-0415, email info@k-9pals.org, or visit k-9pals.org.