Pottstown Pet Fair draws crowd

POTTSTOWN » It was a pet paradise Sept. 15 in Pottstown as guests filled Memorial Park for the 8th Annual Pottstown Pet Fair.

The Pottstown Pet Fair featured 72 vendors this year including pet related products like Brewscuits, several area rescues and other vendors selling their wares. Everything from dogs to bearded dragons could be seen in the park as cars filed into the Memorial Park for the annual event.

“It’s hard to find a place you can bring ferrets to but because it said pet we just assumed we could bring them and it would be fun to have them walk around outside. It’s a nice day it’s not too warm or too cold,” said Danielle Reiff of Downingtown, who brought her pet ferret, Rocky. “It seems really cool. Everyone that I’ve talked to has been really kind.”

This year’s pet fair was dedicated to Bill Sharon, a lifelong Pottstown resident and founder of the Pottstown Pet Fair who passed away last month.

In addition to the many vendors, the event featured several raffle baskets and art auctions, the proceeds from which will go toward a memorial area for Sharon that will overlook where the pet fair takes place each year.

“It breaks me down and blows me away at the same time because it’s the biggest it’s ever been and Bill’s not here,” said Karen Lewandowski, co-founder of the Pet Fair. “I’ve cried all day. They aren’t sad tears. They’re sad for me because I don’t have him anymore and these people don’t have him anymore and these animals don’t.

But if you look at what he created, that makes you happy.”

And there were plenty of happy faces to go around.

Guests shuffled around the park with their pets browsing everything from handmade leashes to professional pet portraits. Guests could also stop by a table to get their animals blessed or take a look at one of the many shelters that were there looking to find homes for their animals.

“This mission will go on,” said Lewandowski about the size and success of the pet fair. “Bill created something so big and so neat and everybody says this will go on somehow.”

Lewandowski said next year the pet fair will be handled by Pottstown Borough’s Parks and Recreation Department.

“I’m out. It’s too emotional for me. I’ll help them in some way in the back office but my mission’s over along with Bill’s,” said Lewandowski.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA The Pet Fair at Memorial Park in Pottstown was a regular puppy parade as guests from all over brought their furry companions to enjoy the day outdoors.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Guest Danielle Reif shows off her pet ferret Rocky. Visitors to the Pottstown Pet Fair were encouraged to bring along their pets to enjoy a day outside with a variety of vendors.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Several items were being auctioned off at the Pet Fair in Pottstown. The money raised went toward creating a memorial for Bill Sharon, a founder of the Pet Fair, who died in August.

MARIAN DENNIS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Pets took over Pottstown during the annual Pet Fair.