BRANTFORD Brantford’s first Pet-Palooza exceeded expectations.
“Unbelievable,” said Steph Stock, organizer of the first Pet-Palooza Brantford at the Civic Centre, three hours into Saturday’s pet-friendly event.
“My goal was to have around 400 (people), and I think we’re close to 1,000.”
Visitors were encouraged to bring their pets – and they came in the hundreds.
“I wanted an event for the whole family because pets are family,” said Stock, owner of CLIPet, a mobile nail trimming service for pets, and co-owner of Kidtastic Adventures, an indoor jungle-themed play area in Brantford. Her goal was to combine elements from both businesses to ‘bring a fun event to town.’
There were 47 pet-related vendors, and two food vendors.
“I didn’t just want a pet vendor event, I wanted something where the whole family can come,” said Stock. “I wanted to bring everything, I wanted to bring entertainment, shopping, kids, everybody. I wanted a huge kids section.”
In the center staging area there was a DogLoversDays Lure Course, and an area for Woof Jocks Canine All Stars shows and presentations by local dog trainers.
“I just can’t believe how many people want to see this kind of thing in the community,” said Stock, who plans to make Pet-Palooza Brantford an annual event. “Pets are family and they want to do everything for their family.”
Kaylea Marrelli said she was enjoying the event and browsing the vendor booths.
“I definitely think people like bringing their dogs everywhere and this is a place where they can.”
“And it’s a good place for the small businesses as well,” said Holly McCormack.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” said Marrelli, walking with Jack, a standard poodle dressed up in pink, green and blue fur by his owner at Mr. Paws Grooming and Daycare.
“He was fully pink a week before, but normally he just rocks his normal color,” said Marrelli. “Now he’s all these colours. We wanted him to look great for the Pet-Palooza – we did his nails too.”
Jack tried the lure course, but did not complete it.
“He tried, that’s all we can say for him,” Marrelli laughed.