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07/20/2015 07:58 AMPeople (and pets) get ready – Woofstock returns to the Branford green Aug. 8.
The third annual Woofstock, sponsored by Blue Buffalo, is all-day festival benefiting Branford-North Branford Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter. Leashed dogs are welcome when Woofstock takes over the town green from noon to 8 p.m. The festival features big-name and local musical talent set among kids’ activities, an Agway Hippie Dog Costume contest (free to enter, just dress Rex), food trucks, silent auction and raffle, about 50 vendors on-site and more. Get Rover up early to join the day’s kick-off event, Woofwalk (11 a.m.) – and help Cosgrove Animal Shelter award another area rescue (the team with the most walkers signed on) top prize of $500.
Guests can refuel with food truck offerings including pizza, cannolis, ice cream, incredible grilled cheese sandwiches and more from Caseus Cheese Truck, and Shoreline Prime’s grilled specialties. Sponsored by Aquatic Pool, the children’s area includes a Moonbounce, obstacle course, face-painting and Hula Hooping. Kids of all ages can help raise the fun level (and funds) at the dunk tank, where community leaders will be in the “dunk seat.”
Saying “success breeds success,” Cosgrove Shelter commissioner Ken Engelman founded Woofstock and continues to pull together the day of amazing music and fun each year because the cause is so important.
“Why do we do this? Because the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter is focused on animal rescue, rehab, and rehoming of community pets,” said Engelman. “The staff’s outstanding reputation throughout the state of Connecticut is what motivates all of us volunteers to come together and raise awareness of the shelter pets that need homes, and raise funds for the care, rehabbing, and rehoming of these pets. We do what we do so that Laura and the shelter staff can do what they do - rescue and rehome animals. It’s a very strong team effort and I am proud to be a part of that volunteer team.”
Laura is Cosgrove Shelter Director Laura Selvaggio Burban, a leader in her field and a dynamic fundraiser in her own right. Burban often inspires the community and volunteers to help Cosgrove Shelter generate contributions for animals in crisis, as those costs exceed municipal funding.
This year, Burban has added Woofwalk to Woofstock as a way to assist other area shelters.
“It’s $25 to sign up for the walk and they’ll get a T-shirt and a goody bag,” said Burban. “People can sign up in advance online and pick a shelter team they want to support. We’ll also have a booth there with walk information and we’re bringing our own adoptable dogs to participate in the walk. Regular people with their own dog, or rescue dogs, can join in walk; and some of the shelters will use it as a chance to showcase their adoptable dogs.”
Woofstock also brings in representatives from area shelters so those groups can join Cosgrove Shelter in promoting their adoptable animals during the event. Information regarding all available adoptables will be provided to any interested prospective pet owners.
The link to sign up for Woofwalk is online at www.facebook.com/BranfordWoofstock The site also provides latest updates and news of Woofstock’s amazing musical line-up, with all musicians volunteering their time and gathered by Engelman. Fresh off this weekend’s performance with George Clinton –a.k.a. the Father of Funk -- Jen Durkin and The Business headline Woofstock.
“Jen Durkin is co-founder and lead singer of Deep Banana Blackout, a national touring funk band,” said Engelman.
Woofstock’s outstanding live music line up also features Heather from Turbulence and Friends, Chewy and The Grateful Friends, Not Ween (A Tribute to Ween), Matt and Casey from Hubinger St. and Jackie & Rick featuring Verryn.
Burban said last year’s Woofstock raised approximately $10,000 for the shelter and an additional $4,000 - $5,000 in donated supplies. Burban said the hope is that this year’s Woofstock will raise more funds than ever.
“We’re hoping for $20,000 between donations of funds and supplies,” said Burban.
Woofstock drew between 5,000 and 6,000 attendees throughout the day in 2014, and Engelman is hoping to see another record crowd on Aug. 8.
“It’s very important to draw people to Branford and to the green,” said Engelman. “I know last year the music drew new people to us; and then they learned about what the day’s message is and were happy to donate. “
Entrance to Woofstock is free but there is a suggested $10 donation and/or donations of animal shelter products such as rawhide bones, pet toys, footballs and soccer balls, bleach, paper towels, 40 gallon trash bags, cat/rabbit/bird food, etc.
Woofstock Vendor/Sponsor opportunities are still available. Call Ken Engelman (201) 638-7141 or email kenengelman@gmail.com for more information.