St. Augustine Sunrise Rotary invites families and their furry friends to join the festivities at Pup-A-Pawlooza, an event benefiting the St. Augustine Humane Society.
The day promises fun, laughter and heartwarming moments for everyone. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 23 at the St. Johns County Fairgrounds, 5840 Stat Road 207 in Elkton.
Preceding Pup-A-Pawlooza, registration is now open for St Augustine Sunrise Rotary’s Dash to the Dogs 5K benefiting the Homeless Coalition St Johns County.
The 5K run or walk will commence at 8 a.m. March 23, starting and finishing at Armstrong Park, 4950 Harvey Ave. in Elkton. Sign up at runsignup.com/Race/FL/Elkton/DashToTheDogs5K. The entrance fee includes access to Pup-A-Pawlooza at the nearby fairgrounds.
Admission to Pup-A-Pawlooza is $10 before the event and $15 at the gate, with children ages 15 and younger admitted free. Advance tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/pup-a-pawlooza-tickets-778203516667. Parking is free for all attendees.
Pup-A-Pawlooza boasts an array of activities, including Pet Camp's Rocking Recall Championship, an AKC Fetch Competition and AKC K-9 Good Citizen Testing, available for a nominal fee. Participants can watch a demonstration of Dog Agility, K-9 Rally Obedience and K-9 Nosework, with opportunities to try it with their dog or practice at a nominal fee.
Silke Royer of Pet Camp will perform live training demonstrations on how to easily solve common behavioral problems (such as jumping up on visitors) through her effective-yet-kind training method. Trick training demonstrations are also on the schedule, and admission includes access to all demonstrations.
To ensure a safe environment, dogs must be on a leash and under the owner's control at all times. Attendees are reminded to pick up after their pets, and only dogs are allowed — no other pets, please.
Music will add to the vibrant atmosphere, complemented by delicious food offerings from County Road Provisions, El Mariachi Loko Jax, Sweet & Salty Sisters, Wingin' It Catering & Food Truck and YAMO Food Truck, with beverages by Ancient City Brewing.
Free dog competitions include: the dog who looks most like the owner, the dog with the waggiest tail, the best treat catcher and the best rescue dog. A panel of judges will determine winners, with prizes for the victorious dogs.
Various onsite vendors will cater to pet owners, families, crafters, artisans, households, runners and even the little ones with a face painter for kids. Nonprofit organizations will also be represented.
St. Augustine Sunrise Rotary, operating as Rhythm and Ribs Festival, is a 501(c)3 organization, with all proceeds dedicated to charitable organizations for local and international service projects.
Sponsors and vendors are still being accepted. Go to pupapawlooza.org for more information.
Note that no outside food, drinks or coolers are permitted. Lawn chairs are permitted.
For more information, contact St. Augustine Sunrise Rotary President Anita O'Donnell at anita.stasunriserotary@gmail.com or 302-607-8216.
