Over the last 10 years WOOFSTOCK, North America’s #1 festival for dogs, has welcomed more than 1.5 million tail-waggers and over 2.1 million passionate pet parents from across North America. This year, WOOFSTOCK proudly celebrates its 10th Anniversary on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, 2013 in Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood.
WOOFSTOCK began as a simple idea, albeit one with legs, by its founder Marlene Cook, to provide dogs and their owners with a unique destination for all things canine. Cook’s groundbreaking idea grew so rapidly that within its first few years, the Festival proved to be a true tour de force, annually drawing upwards of 150,000 dogs in the know, and their faithful humans in tow.
With canine family members in over 40% of North American households, WOOFSTOCK tapped in to one of the most prolific business markets in the world and became the largest, and only, canine festival of its kind, earning critical nods from around the globe. USA Today named WOOFSTOCK one of the top 10 places in the world to celebrate animals. From its early days as an annual summer festival, WOOFSTOCK outgrew its original home in the historic Distillery District and scored a prime location in the bustling St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood, taking over Front Street all the way to Yonge Street. All adjoining streets and parks make room for one of Toronto’s most anticipated summer festivals!
WOOFSTOCK quickly became famous for its signature events like the ever-popular Ms. and Mr. Canine Canada Pageant and its furry Fashion Show, and is adored for perennial favourites like the Running of the Pugs and the Stupid Dog Trick contests. From Extreme Doggie Makeovers to Yappy Hour with “Wooftini” cocktails, WOOFSTOCK has proven its pawsible for all dogs to go to heaven, right here in Toronto.
With over 5.2 million dog treats woofed down, WOOFSTOCK has had no trouble becoming a household noun amongst Canadians as the largest one-stop shopping extravaganza for those four-footed friends. Over the last decade, the festival has hosted over 3,000 one-of-a-kind exhibitors from across the continent offering the latest trends in pooch products from couture clothing to health supplements, pet parents will find all they need to survive in this dog eat dog world.
WOOFSTOCK’s 10th Anniversary Festival launches Sunday, June 2, 2013 with the return of the wildly popular Doggleganger High Tea in the Fairmont Royal York Hotel’s glamorous Imperial Room. The exclusive launch event will feature a who’s who of pooches channeling their inner celebrity as they pose for the puparazzi. The pooch with the most outstanding celebrity look-alike costume will win a grand prize of a two-night stay at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during WOOFSTOCK weekend. The Doggleganger High Tea has seen pooches channeling the likes of Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson, and Justin Bieber. Will Kim KarCanine, pregnant with puppies, take this year’s grand prize?
This year’s 10th Anniversary Festival is dedicated to Sydney Pie, Marlene’s beloved best friend.
Sydney Pie. December 2000 – March 2013
10th ANNIVERSARY WOOFSTOCK FESTIVAL
Saturday, June 8 – Sunday, June 9, 2013
10am – 6pm
St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood
ADMISSION: FREE
Full info at www.woofstock.ca
WOOFSTOCK Launch Party
Doggleganger High Tea
Sunday, June 2, 2013 at 2 pm
Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Imperial Ball Room, 100 Front Street West, Toronto
ADMISSION: $10 donation to WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals)
More info at: www.woofstock.ca