PET ROCK FESTIVAL DATE FOR NEXT YEAR ANNOUNCED: SEPTEMBER 6, 2009

THANKS ALL.

It was a tough call the morning of Sept 14. With buckets of rain coming down, it was scary to trust in accuweather, which claimed the skies would clear by 10 a.m. Setting up was messy, and by 9:30 we were questioning our decision. But when the gates opened at noon, there is no doubt it was the right thing. The 10th annual Pet Rock Festival turned out to be a success, despite the angry clouds, which held off from dropping rain on us for the entire day. We couldn't be more thankful to you, and those clouds.

With music by Danny Klein and Full House, Soulstice and The Howl, other highlights of the day included new food offerings arranged by the Boston Vegetarian Society; performances by the New England Disc Dog Club; the Kind Kids tent with a special appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog; the annual dog contest judged and hosted by Oldies 103.3's Paula Street, the cat photo contest, and a presentation of this year's Hero Award to Christine Dorchak and Carey Theil of Grey2K USA, as well as the law enforcement award to Ernest Horn of the Milford Fire and Police Department. Representative Paul Frost also spoke on animal laws. Winners of this year's lottery (which is drawn during the day of the festival) - Commonwealth Cats and American Poodles - got $500 each from Pet Rock Fest. Two winners of the adoptable pet parade were Forever Home and Pug Rescue of New England, each receiving $500 from Pet Rock Fest.

Proceeds this year will be distributed to Humane Society Youth, New England Primate Sanctuary, Foster Parrots (which also won the 50/50 raffle), Animal Legal Defense Fund and many more. Please read about all of the 2008 beneficiaries here.

Please visit our message board, let us know what you think, share stories and news throughout the year.

WHAT IS THE PET ROCK FESTIVAL?

Now celebrating ten years in New England, Pet Rock Fest is an annual festival that promotes kindness to animals. Sponsored by: Oldies 103.3, Charter Communications and EJ Candies, this expo features hundreds of tables, including breed rescues, shelters, animal welfare organizations and more. It's a see and be seen event for you and your dog to attend, but one that benefits ALL types of animals.

This family-friendly day includes an adoptable dog parade, contests, rabie clinic and low-cost microchipping, live music, a doggie water park, a cat photo contest, speakers, vendors, shows and food. It's a wonderful day for you and your leashed pet.