Woofstock set for Sept. 16

The Geauga Humane Society recently confirmed plans to hold its annual Woofstock Fundraiser from 10 a.m. — 4 p.m., Sept. 16.

The 11th annual Woofstock event is slated to take place for the second year at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field, located at 41324 — 44998 S. Woodland Road in Hunting Valley.

According to a news release from Rescue Village, Woofstock 2018 attractions include festival favorites like:

• Parade and Best Look Contest, which will take place at 11:30 a.m. with prizes for Best Group, Best Individual, and Most Creative looks to be judged by a panel of local celebrities.

• Dog games and contests, such as the annual Best Kisser contest, ice cream eating contest, dog races, musical sit, dog / owner look-a-like contest and more.

• Live music from local musicians — Brendan Cosgroff, Eve’n’Stephen and The Willow Tree.

• Senior Dog Olympics for dogs ages 7 and older.

• Blessing of the animals at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m.

• Food trucks including Barrio Tacos, The Bus Stop, Java on Wheels, The Popcorn Truck, Scott’s Fire & Ice, and Wild Spork

• Shopping along “Vendors Rrow.” For a full list of vendors, visit http://www. geaugahumane.org/woofstockvendors.

• Adoptable dogs from local shelters and rescue groups.

Organizers also report adding a few new attractions

and events to this year’s lineup, including Youth Advocacy Day which will be an educational section of Woofstock for all children who have a passion for animal rescue, the release reads.

The festival also has a new bingo attraction and interactive lure course slated for this year, according to its news release.

“Rescue Village expects thousands of human and dog attendees to join them at this unique event,” the release reads. “The fundraising goal for Woofstock 2018 is $100,000 which will help Rescue Village provide care and programs to support thousands of homeless animals all year long.”

Rescue Village Executive Director Hope Brustein said Woofstock 2018 is poised to provide its usual helping of family and caninefriendly fun while helping the Geauga County Humane Society’s no-kill shelter help animals in need from all over the country.

Those interested in attending Woofstock 2018 may register by purchasing one of the following three admission items for each entrant: a Top Dog T-shirt ($25), Average Mutt bandanna ($10) or a Stray Dog wristband ($5). Children under 10 and dogs get in free.

To register and for more information, visit www. geaugahumane.org/woofstock.

NEWS-HERALD FILE Jacob Strong of Mentor, center, stands out in a sea of other dog lovers in his Welsh corgi T-Shirt while he and girlfriend Alexis Jaskela, left, walk Strong’s Welsh corgi, Wilson, through the crowd at Woofstock in this file photo.