That’s the amount in dollars that North America’s Largest Festival for Dogs has donated to canine rescue charities in Toronto and the GTA since 2017.
More than a million people have attended the event since it started in 2003. That’s a lot of dog toys, healthful food and treats sold, heartwarming dog tricks and costumes seen. But most importantly, it’s a lot of animal awareness that’s been spread and paid forward in their annual celebration of canine care and love.
Woofstock, wags its way into its 16th season on the heels of two milestones – donating more than $50,000 to canine rescue charities since 2017, and being named Best Public Event/Fair or Festival in Canada at the 2019 Canadian Special Events Industry Awards.
Woofstock will celebrate these achievements at its annual festival on Saturday, May 25th and Sunday, May 26th at Toronto’s Woodbine Park.
“We are excited to mark our Sweet Sixteen and to continue bringing together dogs and dog lovers in the spirit of animal awareness,” says Woofstock owner Michael DiSchiavo. “On top of our attractions, entertainment, products and food for dogs and their human owners, we are proud to continue fundraising for local rescue groups and helping rescue dogs find their ‘forever homes.’”
Woofstock debuted at Toronto’s Distillery District in 2003. From day one, Woofstock charmed Torontonians with its focus and celebratory atmosphere. As the festival grew, its venue grew as well. Woofstock has hosted more than one million attendees.
This year, Woofstock will showcase more than 150 “paw-some” exhibitors to meet public demand for new and unique canine products. Crowd-favourite events will be returning, like the Mr. and Ms. Canine Canada Pageant, Canada Pooch Fashion Show, an upgraded Children’s Village, Wiener Dog Races, Running of the Pugs, Frenchie Flash, Chihuahua Chase and last year’s sensational debut event, the Puppy Prowl.
New and exciting additions this year include the Rescue Run, a fun-run for under-35-lb. rescue dogs taking place in the Crumps’ Arena. There’ll be an intimate meet-and-greet with “Insta-Famous Dogs” – celebrity dogs of Instagram fame with hundreds of thousand of online fans. Musically, Woofstock will be getting down with a unique morning jazz/Celtic/classic concert-for-dogs, starring the event’s blue-chip house-band Three Dog Day.
“The canine-tailored concert is another way to bond and celebrate our longest, lasting friendship,” says Entertainment Producer, Bianca Kapteyn.
At Woofstock 2019, sponsors like Dyson will give away prizes throughout the weekend. Open Farm’s Food Truck for Dogs, Canada Pooch and Pawsie will be great attractions at the event. There will also be a new dog food launch/product-sampling by NOOD. Kijiji will be back with their fan favourite grooming activation and we’re also grateful to the natural food seller Crumps’ Naturals, who are for their second year installing the “Crumps’ Arena,” where many Woofstock highlights will take place.
Other notable temptations are The Ultimutts, The Fur-Tastic K9’s, and SuperDogs. Tito’s Vodka, Pelee Island Winery and Black Lab Brewing will be livening up the Licensed Lounge, where you will also be able to bring your dog in for a cold “Pooches Hooch.”
For the third straight year, proceeds from Woofstock will be donated to canine rescue groups in the GTA.
Dogs and dog lovers agree – it’s going to be a very Sweet Sixteen for Woofstock!
