Guest Author: Olivia!
BARKtoberfest… it’s like Oktoberfest, but with dogs instead of beer! Barktoberfest is an annual fundraising event that is billed as a festival in the park for dogs and their humans. And I can’t WAIT to go! Nevermind that it’s chock full of fun contests, showcases & games… it’s hosted by Friends for Life Animal Rescue, the rescue that pulled us off the street and landed most of us Crazies in our forever homes! We’ll always go to events to support them!
BARKtoberfest is held on the 2nd Saturday of October, which in 2020 falls on October 10th. It runs from 8:30a-1:30pm, and will be located at the Gilbert Town Center, on the SE corner of Gilbert & Warner Roads, in Gilbert, AZ. Admission is free to all attendees, though some activities do require a small donation.
So why are we looking forward to going? There are SOOO many reasons:
- Fundraising – All proceeds generated from this event will go back to Friends for Life Animal Rescue and the animals in their care. As past recipients of their care, we are eternally grateful to them and know how important these dollars are to their continued work.
- Alumni Parade – This is my favorite event. At 11a’ish, any dogs in attendance that walked through Friends for Life’s doors in need of a new furever home are invited out to centerfield and then line up to for the alumni parade around the park. Sometimes we see people that we remember from our time at Friends for Life like foster families or caregivers. That makes us (and them) really happy. Sometimes their eyes even leak.
- Adoptions – There will be lots of our furry canine friends available for adoption at the event, and we LOVE to see our other friends find their furever homes. We hope that every dog can be as lucky as we have been.
- Raffles – Dozens of generous companies donate products and services and F4L volunteers package them in baskets and put them up as raffle items. There will be upwards of 75 baskets available and will include items from restaurants, pet companies, golf courses and there are always a few BIG baskets for things like tickets to Disneyland or brand new laptops!
- Food Trucks – Mmmmm….. lots of food trucks will be onsite, and let’s be honest I always manage to finagle a bite of whatever goodie Mom thinks she got for herself.
- Lure course – Our friends that are good at chasing things can take a turn at the lure course… we’re not very good at this (we don’t get it) but if it’s your thing, have your Mom donate a couple dollars and take your turn. You’ll love it, and we’ll watch and bark you on!
- Vendors – Over 60 vendors will be set-up on the field this year. This means treats or toys for US, and other fun stuff for your pawrents.
- Dog wash – Mom’s making me add this, because she knows I’d rather jump in a Great Dane’s mouth than participate, but there will be a dog wash available for those crazy dogs that like baths. There’s a small donation for this too but again, it’s all for charity.
- Painting Paws – Create your own masterpiece using your paws on paper with non-toxic paint, with the aid of F4L volunteers. For a small donation your human family can put YOUR artwork up on the wall. How cool is THAT? (This is actually probably the only viable reason I can foresee for wanting a bath onsite!)
- Contests – Throughout the day there are contests at mid-field for “look alike”, or “best dressed”, or “best trick”. Start practicing now and we’ll Bark loudly when it’s your turn!
There are other activities that I’m sure I’ve forgotten, but for more information, visit the Friends for Life website and put it on your calendars! It’ll be a GREAT day! Thank you in advance for your support of the rescue that saved us.
