SHREWSBURY — The 25th annual Pet Rock Festival at Scandinavian Athletic Club Park was a heartwarming event that celebrated kindness towards animals and responsible pet ownership. The festival brought together hundreds of people and dozens of vendors, offering a day filled with live music, delicious food for both humans and dogs, and opportunities to connect with local businesses and community organizations.
Stephanie Deschaine, one of the attendees, expressed her excitement about the event, mentioning that she purchased a bandana for her dog, Takoda, along with a variety of treats and snacks.
One of the festival’s highlights was Cold Nose Creamery, a vendor that served dog-friendly ice cream. Samantha Maxson, the founder and owner of Cold Nose Creamery, emphasized that their ice cream is made from only a few dog-safe ingredients, setting it apart from typical human ice cream.
Maxson was inspired to start her business after seeing a similar concept elsewhere and realizing the lack of competition. Her part-time work at an ice cream shop also provided valuable experience. She has been promoting her product at various fairs since May and hopes it will become a full-time venture.
The Pet Rock Festival featured other vendors like Missing Dogs Massachusetts, a nonprofit offering free services to help locate missing dogs. They provide tips, flyers, and assistance to distressed dog owners. Volunteers Bernice Gero and Cristy Rosenhahn aimed to raise awareness about the organization and recruit volunteers.
Worcester Animal Rescue League was also present, hoping to facilitate dog adoptions. Lyn Tozeski, an administrative coordinator, reported that within an hour of the festival’s start, they had received adoption applications and serious inquiries from potential adopters. The league showcased photos of dogs available for adoption, along with stickers of their names.
The Central Massachusetts Disaster Animal Response Team, represented by JoAnn Griffin and her Corgi named Duff, offered information, training, and supplies for pet owners to prepare for emergencies or natural disasters, such as fires. They were also seeking new board members to support their vital work.
Despite their busy schedules, both vendors and volunteers like Tammy Cooper found time to enjoy the festival’s pleasant weather and amenities. She strolled through the event with her two dogs, Bella and Luna, and shared her positive experience of meeting friendly people throughout the day.
The Pet Rock Festival’s co-founders, Jeannie Hebert and Charlene Arsenault, expressed their gratitude for the event’s 25th anniversary. Hebert was pleased that the rain stayed away, and the event saw strong attendance. Arsenault acknowledged some minor issues, such as parking shortages, but considered them a testament to the festival’s popularity. She expressed immense gratitude for the ongoing support, acknowledging that they knew they had something special from the very first year.
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