Petpalooza returns to Game Farm Park

By Robert Whale • May 18, 2023 9:30 am
Lucy Storm wows the crowd with her athletic prowess at last year’s Petpalooza festival at Game Farm Park. The festival returns to the park this Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Photo courtesy of Auburn Arts, Parks and Recreation.
Lucy Storm wows the crowd with her athletic prowess at last year’s Petpalooza festival at Game Farm Park. The festival returns to the park this Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Photo courtesy of Auburn Arts, Parks and Recreation.

On one special day of the year, the tailed and taloned, the spotted and brindled, the hoofed and honking stage a noisy takeover of Auburn’s Game Farm Park.

That is to say that Auburn critter spectacular Petpalooza returns to Game Farm Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 20.

“We are gearing up for a very exciting Petpalooza festival,” said Kristy Pachciarz, who is coordinating the event for Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation. “We have more vendors then ever before.”

Stroll the festival vendors for all your pet needs, including free nail trims, free microchipping, and other discounted services. Make sure to get your photo with “Green Dog,” who you’ll find on Field B of the festival grounds. Visit the ArtRageous hands-on activity booths, test out the free agility area.

Pachciarz said people attending with children will want to be sure to visit the Petting Zoo, a 15-feet-by-50-feet zoo with the option to pet, brush and feed sheep, mini pigs, wallabies, goats, cavies, bunnies and more. And don’t forget those fleet-footed oinksters, the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs.

Inflatable rides and face painting are also popular, free attractions for the kiddos. A pony ride vendor will be available for pony rides for a nominal fee. Children can enjoy the parrot show and the reptile show, held on the stage in the morning. One of the more popular attractions is the Northwest Pet Contest, held on the stage at noon.

But there’ll be more than beasts to see and enjoy. Attendees can expect to groove to the stylings of two great live bands, salivate over a variety of food options, and sip and chat in a Beer Garden while the beastly mayhem rages around.

“We’ll have a handful of vendors offering on-site adoptions and a handful accepting applications for new furry companions,” said Pachciarz

“We’re expecting 10,000-plus at this year’s festival,” Pachciarz said.

So, pack your patience when looking for parking. The neighborhoods adjacent to the park are great options. Come in the back entrance or use the crosswalk and enter from R Street Southeast. All event details are at www.auburnwa.gov/petpalooza.