Innisfil is going to the dogs again — but that’s not such a bad thing.
Pet Country Estate is preparing for its fifth-annual “Paws for a Cause” festival on Sunday, Sept. 7, says owner Liz Gordon.
In the past four years, the event has raised $31,852 that has gone to sponsor a total of six guide dogs through the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind program, which helps visually impaired individuals in the community.
Attendance can reach up to 1,000 people throughout the day-long event, which begins at 9:30 a.m. and winds down at 4:30 p.m.
“We’ve scheduled a full day’s worth of activities,” Gordon says.
“Each year, working guide dogs are on site. We have various dog demonstrations, such as obedience and agility that amaze and delight the crowd. The South Simcoe Police bring their K9 unit, too.”
A variety of local artisans and vendors set up shop as well on the 10-acre property located on the 20th Sideroad, just north of Lockhart Road.
“We’ll have a silent auction, food and beverages,” Gordon adds. “Musical entertainment will be provided by the Kempencelts who will play Celtic music and Soul Food, a band specializing in rhythm and blues.”
A highlight of the day undoubtedly will be the golden and sheltie parade, led by a piper.
Other organizations in attendance will include members of branch 547 of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Innisfil Lions and Gilford Lions clubs and the Alcona Boy Scouts.
“Innisfil Fire and Rescue will have their new ‘fire house’ vehicle here, too,” Gordon says. “And CHAY radio will have their community cruiser.”
There is a separate children’s play area with a bouncing castle, slide, face painting and other amusements
Visitors come from as far away as Toronto, Brampton and Sudbury. Many of them have bought puppies from Pet Country Estate in the past 15 years and come for the golden and sheltie parade.
Funds are also raised from a raffle table, containing items such as a woodcarving, air compressor, framed nature photos, a $200 gas voucher and authentic signed photos of Alex Steen of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Joey Graham of the Toronto Raptors.
“It’s a fun-filled day for a great cause,” Gordon says.
For more information, or to donate a prize, call Gordon at 431-1010.
