This weekend, there is plenty going on around the city for Philadelphians to check out—but only one event that will include activities and specials for our furry friends as well. This Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Chestnut Hill Business District and Weavers Way Co-op join forces to host Petapalooza, a free family-friendly celebration of our four-legged friends, with various activities for humans and their favorite animals along Germantown Avenue.
According to a release, guests can treat their furry pals to a day in the refreshing doggie pools; try their luck with their many Petapalooza raffles; sample delicious pet treats; have photos taken on the Petapalooza runway; and put their best nose forward for a pet caricaturist, while kids can enjoy face painting. Dog owners will have the chance to enjoy dog training exhibitions while also interacting with onsite pet providers. Exhibitors include Weavers Way Pet Store, The Bone Appetite, Queenie’s Pets, Fairmount Barks, and others.
Other highlights from the event this Sunday include dog parkour, face painting, a collection area for shelter donations, a Petapalooza runway and photo booth, a Noah’s Ark Rescue Project and much more. Also, many Chestnut Hill restaurants and bars will offer “Yappy Hour” specials, and pets are welcome to join in on the fun with their owners at participating dog-friendly establishments. At Chestnut Hill Brewing Co. specifically, guests can enjoy $5 Newfie Nectars with their pups throughout Petapalooza.
But the event is also meant to do some good on top of all of its other offerings. According to the release, Peaceable Kingdom — a no-kill, nonprofit shelter that strives to provide care, protection, and assistance to animals who are mistreated, injured, abandoned, or otherwise in need — will host a petting zoo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 8701 Germantown Avenue. For guests looking to adopt their next best friend, more than a dozen pet rescue and adoption agencies, including the German Shepherd Rescue, Blind Dog Rescue, French Bulldog Rescue Network, Noah’s Ark, Luvin’ Bunnies, and Kelly’s Cats, will be on location with animals looking for their forever homes.
New this year, Philadelphians and their pets will also be able to participate in the Petapalooza Photo Contest. Those who think of the most unique and eye-catching social media post will win a chance for your pet to become “a social media star.” To participate, locals can post a photo of their pet and tag the Chestnut Hill Business District’s Instagram or Facebook. Participants can post the photo and also make a note of what category they are posting the photo for. Categories include: Makes Biggest Mess, Finds Strangest Place to Hide, Most Helpful, and Most Unusual Pet.
To be considered, contestant’s owners must tag @chestnuthillpa and use the hashtag #Petapalooza. Pet owners can enter their favorite pet’s photo through Aug. 5 for a chance to collect a $25 gift certificate to Bone Appetite, a $25 gift certificate to CHBA, a 30-minute training session with Bad Dog Good Dog training, or a $25 gift certificate to Weavers Way. A winner will be chosen at random for each category and any pet is eligible.
For more information about Chestnut Hill, visit chestnuthillpa.com. Those interested can also join the conversation on social media by following @chestnuthill_pa on Instagram, @chestnuthill.pa on Facebook, and @chestnuthillpa on Twitter
