Mother Nature may have rained on our parade in September, but you can’t keep a good dog down! After a nor’easter forced the postponement of its original September 26 date, Animal Orphanage (AO) is ready to give its milestone 30th Annual Woofstock Festival another go on Saturday, November 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Voorhees Town Center.
What began three decades ago as a community fundraiser for local shelter animals has grown into one of South Jersey’s largest pet-friendly festivals, drawing more than 4,000 people and their pets each year. And while the celebration may be arriving a little later than planned, the excitement hasn’t gone anywhere!
“We’ve been doing Woofstock for 30 years, so we certainly weren’t going to let a nor’easter get the last word!” said Jennifer Bailey, Marketing Director for the Animal Orphanage. “Of course, we were disappointed to postpone, but the safety of our vendors, volunteers, and attendees had to come first. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has stuck with us through the date change, and we’re looking forward to finally celebrating this special anniversary with our community.”
This year’s festival will feature more than 170 vendors, over 15 food trucks and food vendors, live music, dog demonstrations, rescue organizations, a beer garden, Kid’s Zone, and a huge basket raffle featuring hundreds of prizes donated by local businesses and supporters.
One of the day’s most popular traditions, the Animal Orphanage Alumni Parade, will celebrate dogs who once called the shelter home before finding their families. This year’s parade will be led by the Sixers Stixers, the official drumline of the Philadelphia 76ers. “Seeing former shelter dogs come back with the families who love them is always one of the best parts of Woofstock,” Bailey said. “It’s a wonderful reminder of exactly what this day is all about.”
Beyond the festivities, Woofstock serves a much bigger purpose. As Animal Orphanage’s largest annual fundraiser, the event provides critical financial support for the shelter’s work caring for homeless and unwanted cats and dogs throughout Southern New Jersey.
“Every sponsorship, vendor registration, raffle ticket and donation helps us provide food, shelter, veterinary care and second chances to animals who depend on us,” Bailey added. “Woofstock is so much more than a fun day out with your dog. The impact of this event lasts long after the festival ends, and we hope everyone will come out on November 14 to help make our 30th anniversary one to remember!”
Well-behaved pets are welcome to attend Woofstock and must remain on non-retractable leashes at all times.
For more information about Woofstock, visit www.aonj.org/woofstock.
