Bark for beauty

The third annual Tea and Ulti-Mutt Dog Fashion Show is today at the Kingston Congregational Church, 2610 Kingstown Rd., Kingston. The event is a benefit hosted by the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island, and among the participating celebrity dogs modeling will be Rufus, above, a six-year-old colored bull terrier who in 2006 won Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club competition. The tea begins at 2:30 p.m., followed by the fashion show. To reserve tickets ($35), call (401) 792-2233. For more information, visit www.arlsri.org.

Enjoy history

Celebrate Rhode Island Independence Day today at Camp Fogarty in East Greenwich, where all units of the Rhode Island Militia will participate in an authentic encampment. There’ll be historical drills, routines and fife and drum performances. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a formal review of the militia at 11 a.m. The camp is at 2841 South County Trail. For more information, go to www.ri.gov.

Fish with the family

Catch some fish at today’s Family Fishing Derby, 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Ninigret Park off Route 1A in Charlestown. The event is intended for children age 14 and younger and their families. Participation in the derby costs $7, $4 for residents of South Kingstown. Call ahead to register: (401) 789-9301. Rain date is May 10.

Under the big top

The 138th edition of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus continues its run at Providence’s Dunkin’ Donuts Center with shows today at 11 a.m. and 3 and 7 p.m., and tomorrow at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $75, available at the Dunk box office or through Ticketmaster at (401) 331-2211 and www.ticketmaster.com. For information, call (401) 331-0700 or visit www.ringling.com.

American Girl onstage

American Girl, the company renowned for its popular collection of dolls and books, will bring one of its stories to life on stage here today. Addy: An American Girl Story, the story of a young slave girl whose family escaped to freedom, will be performed at the Providence Performing Arts Center at 2 and 6 p.m., with ticket prices ranging from $20 to $30. There also are two pre-show events –– a picnic lunch at noon and a tea at 4 p.m. for an additional $25 per person. Reservations are required.