Canine Costume and Pie Eating Contests, a Leisurely Walk, Hayrides, Live Music, Games, Food Trucks, Beer Garden, Vendors and more will Highlight the Dog-Friendly Festival
Dogs and dog lovers are invited to Marty’s Place’s Howl-O-Ween Family Fest, a dog- and family-friendly fall festival to benefit the sanctuary’s senior dogs.
Adults and children are invited to join hundreds of fellow canine enthusiasts who will come together on the scenic grounds of the dog sanctuary located at 118 Route 526 in Upper Freehold on Saturday, October 21 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. (rain or shine).
Highlights of the event will include canine costume and pie eating contests, a fun leisurely walk, agility demonstrations, hayrides, police dog demonstrations, live music from AlterEgo, vendors, food trucks, beer garden, basket and 50/50 cash raffles, and other fall-inspired games, challenges and activities for children, adults and canines.
“We’re so excited to gather again for our largest fundraiser of the year,” said Doreen Jakubcak, founder and executive director of Marty’s Place. “Family pets are being relinquished in record numbers to shelters and rescue groups. Senior dogs are the least likely to be rescued and are most at risk of being euthanized. The proceeds from this event will allow us to save more seniors.”
Adults, children and dogs are welcome to dress in costume (if your pooch enjoys dressing up) and participate in a variety of fun costume contests. Prizes will be awarded in several categories including: Best original (homemade costume), Best Duo and Best in Show. New this year is the pie eating contest with four categories for dogs of various sizes.
Admission for the event is $5 for adults; children under six are free. All proceeds will benefit the senior dogs cared for by Marty’s Place.
Sponsors supporting Marty’s Place and the event include: All American Landscape Contractors, Area Enclosures Fence, Arya Properties, Golden Grange, Jeffrey L. Grogan Architects, Heartland Veterinary and Boarding, Sandra Iammatteo, Kotzas Crossroads, Mile Square Roofing Company, Morgan Engineering & Surveying, Northstar VETS, Panco MC LLC, Red Bank Veterinary Hospital, ReMax Revolution, Sentinel Wealth Management, Subaru, Surety Title Agency Coastal Region, and Viacomp Inc.
About Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary
Inspired by a senior dog adoptee named Marty and the plight of other aging canines with nowhere to live out their “golden” years safely and comfortably, Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary opened its doors in 2015. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization provides a permanent and protected environment for dogs aged seven and older when their owners or other animal rescue/shelters can no longer care for them.
While adoption or long-term foster may be an option for some residents, when it isn’t, Marty’s Place provides senior dogs a loving home for life in a cage-free, family-like environment with full, personalized attention given to their needs for the rest of their lives.
Situated on 25 acres, the 8,000-square-foot facility in Upper Freehold, N.J., also offers a swim program for its residents and non-resident dogs of all ages in its indoor, saltwater pool.
For more information visit:
www.martysplace.org or call 609-259-1278.