This article reflects a change in date due to anticipation of inclement weather:
Every dog has its day. Well, in this case, every pet will have its special day this weekend in Haddonfield.
Downtown Haddonfield will once again celebrate four-legged friends with pet-related promotions, adoption opportunities and pet-friendly activities during Haddonfield’s second annual Pet-a-Palooza on Saturday, April 10 from noon to 4 p.m. The event will feature opportunities to help, and maybe even adopt, homeless pets from the Camden County Animal Shelter.
“Haddonfield is a very pet-friendly town. I’m not sure that people are fully aware of that, but we are a walkable downtown with very pet-friendly establishments. This is another way to highlight our pets as well as give back to the CCAS,” said Remi Fortunato, retail recruiter for the Partnership for Haddonfield.
“We had such a good time last year. It was an immediate hit, so of course we wanted to do it again. It is a really nice way to have everyone come to town and have some fun with their furry friends. As a member of the family, it is great to have them out for the day and celebrate them,” Kathy Gold of the Partnership for Haddonfield said.
This year, there are a number of new events happening for Pet-a-Palooza. The first is an online photo contest for your pet. Join the fun and upload a unique photo of your pet for a chance to win a $25 town-wide gift certificate. The photo must be submitted before Saturday, April 9 at 3:30 p.m. at DowntownHaddonfield.com/Pet-Palooza-Photo-Contest-Submission-Form.
Also new this year will be a pet fashion walk down a red carpet in Kings Court beginning at noon. Dress your furry friend in his or her finest attire and capture the spotlight on the red carpet. Register online at DowntownHaddonfield.com/2016-events-2/Pet-Palooza-Fashion-Walk-Registration. Participants who don’t register online or in advance are welcome to join in the day of the event. Following the fashion walk will be a pet talent contest beginning at 2 p.m. in Kings Court. You’ll be able to show off your pet’s best tricks and skills for a chance to win a $25 town-wide gift certificate and a $25 gift certificate from Ahead of the Pack.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing what the pets will do,” Fortunato said.
CCAS will be there throughout the event with opportunities to adopt as well as donate. If you would like to donate to the CCAS, you can do so at its Kings Highway adoption booth near Kings Court, or bring pet items such as sheets, blankets, towels, beds, food and toys to Ahead of the Pack, located at 207 Kings Highway East, or at the Haddonfield Information Center, located at 2 Kings Court. Various pet vendors and wildlife conservation groups will be there as well as other shelters, which will also offer pet adoption opportunities throughout the day.
“The event does good, exposing various pet groups and adoption for a pet in need. I do know last year dogs were adopted because of the event; I see them in my shop.
“It’s a great way to have fun while getting good results,” Christina Zinarini of Ahead of the Pack said.
Throughout the day, DJ Frank Staff will perform behind the gazebo at Kings Court. Additional activities and attractions include a pet bakery and gourmet treats at Ahead of the Pack during the entire event.
Along with a balloon artist and face painter, there will be pet-related service providers available, a mobile vet van, handcrafted pet products and a caricaturist.
“Even if you don’t have a pet, this is a family-friendly and fun event.
“It is a way to spend the day with your pet and be surrounded by the people in community who love pets too. Downtown Haddonfield has great shops and eating establishments as well, so it’s a great way to spend the day,” Zinarini said.
All participating vendors’ fees will be donated to the CCAS. For more information, visit DowntownHaddonfield.com.
