Pet Rock Fest celebrates its 10th anniversary on Sept. 14 this year with a festival/expo at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, Massachusetts, from noon to 5 p.m. It’s been ten years of helping countless animal organizations, giving thousands of dollars and reaching thousands of people – all with one goal in mind: kindness to animals.
Out of a passionate reaction to an animal cruelty story on TV in 1999, the festival has made a remarkable impact on Massachusetts, New England and beyond. It is the largest of its kind on the east coast.
Pet Rock features live music, vegetarian food, contests, speakers, a VCA-sponsored microchip and rabies clinic, shows by the New England Disc Dog Club, a doggie water park, Gemini Dogs, a kids court, and most importantly, more than a hundred pet related vendors and animal welfare organizations. Breed rescues, shelters and other concerned animal groups set up tables to share information and talk to folks about their impact in helping our fellow friends.
This year’s headliner is Danny Klein’s Full House. Klein, who was the bass player for the J. Geils Band, does a full set of music celebrating the J. Geils Band. This year also features an all-new vegetarian food court sponsored by the Boston Vegetarian Society.
What you can do:You can help, and Pet Rock Fest needs your help. If you are an organization that needs to be heard, you should be seen here. If you are a business that cares about animals, consider sponsoring or donating a raffle item. If you are a concerned citizen, consider volunteering. You can find out about all of this by visiting
http://www.petrockfest.com or emailing
charlenea@worcestermag.com.
Posted by Charlene Arsenault, Best Friends Network, photo by Bree Bailey