NORWICH – With weekend temperatures forecasted to remain well below freezing, pet lovers from all points are cordially invited for a glass of warm cheer, hot food and cool local talent taking the stage at the Blarney Stone Pub.
The return of Woofstock – now in its seventh year – will be taking over the downtown establishment from 1-5 p.m. this Sunday at 26 S. Broad St. in downtown Norwich.
Since 2007, board members from the local chapter of the nonprofit have held the event with an emphasis on both awareness and fundraising aimed at supporting the county's only animal shelter, located on East River Road in the Town of Norwich.
The unique and much anticipated fundraising event has become a bit of an annual staple among locals, raising thousands of much needed revenue over the years.
“Woofstock was created to raise funds in response to a couple of major animal cruelty cases that took place in Chenango County in 2007 and has successfully continued since then,” said organizer Courtney Sullivan.
As a past board president of the CSPCA, an independent kennel owner and an animal rights enthusiast, Sullivan has devoted much of her life to the betterment of animals in Chenango County, and Woofstock epitomizes those efforts.
Music, food, drink and camaraderie will all be on tap though the coordination efforts of CSPCA board members, Sullivan and local business owners Mike and Sarah Woods who have graciously donated bar proceeds and tips to the organization in addition to providing the venue.
“It's an event that we look forward to every year, a really fun day for a good cause,” said Sarah Woods. “It's great to see so many people come out and support the event year after year.”
“This is a board-driven event,” said CSPCA Executive Director Annette Clarke. “All of our board members have worked very hard at preparing the event and will be in attendance to join in on the festivities and field any questions that community members might have regarding the CSPCA.”
CSPCA serves primarily the residents and animals of Chenango County and the surrounding communities. The mission of the Chenango SPCA is to provide and promote care, compassion and respect for animals and the community.
Additionally, StaffWorks will serve as a corporate sponsor this year.
Music for this year's Woofstock will be contributed once again by local favorites Tumbleweed Highway, along with long-time Woofstock staples The Suspicious Hats. A talented group of young musicians the likes of Hutch and Speck, Kate Stewart, Sixstring and Coasting on Potential will round out the lineup, infusing a crop of fresh face talent to the local venue.
Founded in 1907, Chenango SPCA (CSPCA) is a nationally recognized, open-admission animal shelter that provides care for lost and homeless pets, adopts pets to new homes, and educates families and the community about the needs of companion animals.
While organizers appreciate the enthusiasm of the community, the public is urged to leave their pets at home for the event, and a free-will donation will be collected at the door.
Woofstock is one of two major fundraising events regularly held for the CSPCA, the other being the annual “Fur Ball” which will be held on February 14, 2015. Details on the Fur Ball will be included in an upcoming edition of The Evening Sun.