LANCASTER—For more than two decades, the Pet Rock Festival has been a staple for New England animal lovers, blending advocacy and entertainment to raise awareness for animal welfare.
This year, the beloved event —the 26th annual–returns with a new home at the Lancaster Fairgrounds in Lancaster, MA, promising a day filled with activities, demonstrations, music and community engagement circling around the mission of “kindness to all animals” on Sunday, Oct. 6, from noon to 5 p.m.
“It has been challenging to find a venue that fits Pet Rock Fest’s format, footprint and mission,” says Jeannie Hebert of the move to the Lancaster Fairgrounds. “After much searching, we are confident we have found a home. Looking forward to hosting the next 25 years!”
Brought to you this year by Festival Sponsor MA Homes, LLC, Pet Rock Fest shines a spotlight on New England’s animal welfare organizations that tirelessly promote kindness to animals.
Now taking place in Worcester County on Route 117 near major routes such as 495 and 2, Pet Rock Fest’s new venue, which is the “home of the Bolton Fair,” is easily accessible from all directions. It features a spacious, grassy, fenced-in event area, three pavilions, two barns, a pond (perfect for doggy swims!), a paved walking path, and hundreds of on-site parking spaces. This location and layout lends itself to an event of this magnitude, catering to humans and animals alike.
“The Lancaster Fairgrounds is thrilled to welcome the Pet Rock Festival to our venue,” said Rose Darden, event coordinator for the Lancaster Fairgrounds and fair manager for the Bolton Fair, Inc. “The fairgrounds in October are absolutely beautiful and will be the perfect backdrop for this very worthwhile organization and their outstanding event. We look forward to a successful partnership for many years.”
There is plenty of room to roar with all of our popular attractions and more, including: K9 demos; interactive, mission-focused, fun activities focused on pet care hosted by CMDART in collaboration with American Red Cross Central; the Pups In The Air disc dog team; live music; the Rescue Groups and Shelters Pet Parade; kids activities, Good Canine testing, cat photo contest; book signings, annual Pet Rock Hero awards and recognitions; speakers including MA State Senator Ryan Fattman; amateur dog contest; vegetarian food court; animal mascots including Stitch, Trax from the Railers, and the Fursuiters group, doggie massages, demonstrations, free and low-cost microchipping and rabies shots from VCA; a doggie water park; photos of your pets; animal-friendly vendors; animal welfare organizations; and, most importantly, hundreds of nonprofit groups devoted to animal welfare causes.
The musical lineup includes performances by the Office Party Band and Petty Larceny (a Tom Petty tribute…PETty Larceny on this day, perhaps?), Vivi and Da Funk, and headliner, hometown favorite Ricky Duran.
Duran garnered international attention with his soulful vocals, fiery guitar playing and compelling performances on NBC’s “The Voice.” The Season 17 Runner-Up has since released a full album, “Space & Time,” which charted at No. 1 on iTunes. The 33-year-old Worcester native and graduate of Berklee School of Music is a versatile artist with powerful vocals and an electrifying stage presence that entertains crowds all over the country.
“I was really excited to be asked to headline The Pet Rock Festival this year,” says Duran. “All they do to help end animal cruelty and help in animal welfare is very honorable. I adopted my cat several years ago and I think of him like a child. I am a huge animal lover and supporter of the Pet Rock Festival. I hope to see everyone there!”
Local nonprofit VegFest is once again teaming up with Pet Rock Fest to host its food court, featuring delicious offerings from top vegan restaurants and food vendors. Formerly known as VegWorcester, VegFest organizes the annual New England VegFest, a free event celebrating animal-friendly, environmentally sustainable, and healthy lifestyles. This animal-loving organization perfectly aligns with the mission of the Pet Rock Festival.
Food options include Waves Dairy Free Ice Cream, Kona Ice, Indulge India, Kay’s Curries, Not Ya Mama’s Vegan Cafe, Loving Hut, Tacos Y Burritos Panchita, Smokestack Roasters, Boundless Bakery, Keifer’s Kettle Korn, Jennifer Lee’s Bakery and Vegan Pizzaland.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for kids 12 and under at the gate.
For updates on the plans for the event, groups signed up to attend, $2 off coupons, and other official or not-so-official news, visit petrockfest.org or Facebook.
