Illinois: dogs celebrate with Woofstock

Parks & Recreation, Oct, 2004

Canines throughout Skokie Park District, Ill., were putting their paws together in approval of Woofstock, held this past June at the new off-leash Pooch Park.

Pooch Park was built in May with the help of a local organization called People Organizing Off-Leash Canine Habitats (POOCH). The new park has a puppy/ small dog area, fenced agility course, doggy water fountains and much more.

Woofstock was created to not only celebrate the opening of Pooch Park, but to also gain positive community exposure for the new facility. The first 100 dog owners received free bandanas for their pooch, which were given out within half an hour. The festival offered live entertainment, dog obedience classes, professional trainer demonstrations, a singing dog competition, Frisbee catching contest and animal evaluations. There were also area vendors selling doggiewares such as treats, food and toys. One huge hit at Woofstock was the "Paw of Fame," where dogs could put their paw stamp of approval on the facility by stepping in paint, and adding to a sidewalk mural.

More than 1,000 people came with their pets to celebrate Woofstock and the opening of Pooch Park. With that kind of support, it's clear the community has found a place any pooch can call home.