Alexandria’s Biggest Festival for Animal Lovers Returns to Oronoco Bay Park
Paws in the Park, benefiting the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, set for October 15
Alexandria, Virginia – Paws in the Park, presented by Amazon, returns to Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town Alexandria on Sunday, October 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and promises to be an even bigger paw-ty than previous years! This annual event celebrates northern Virginia’s love for animals and offers attendees a one-of-a-kind family and pet-friendly FREE festival featuring vendors, lots of adoptable animals, and a variety of entertainment.
Along with dozens of local artisans, nonprofits, and animal-focused businesses, Paws in the Park will offer a wide-ranging food court. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and savor drinks and food from local cideries, breweries, wineries, bakeries, food trucks, and more while enjoying the day’s entertainment and shopping.
If you’ve been looking to add a furry member to your family, the 10+ animal welfare organizations and rescues in Rescue Row will have adoptable animals available for attendees to meet.
This year’s entertainment, sponsored by the Alexandria Library Foundation, begins at 11:30 a.m. and includes repeat musical favorites like bilingual sensation Uno Dos Tres Andres, and new acts and stage events like the Dog (and Human) Costume Contest. The costume contest is open to everyone, and pre-registration is required. Each category winner will receive a cool prize!
There’s plenty more fun to be had at both the Family Fun Tent and AWLA Tent. The Family Fun Tent, sponsored by TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, will feature arts and crafts geared for kids of all ages, including decorating pet bandanas and collaborating on a pet-themed community “mural.” Stop by the AWLA Tent to purchase your 2024 AWLA calendars and bid on items in our silent auction. The silent auction will feature lots of unique prizes and be available online as well, so winners will not need to be present to participate or win!
“At the AWLA, we celebrate the love that our community has for animals each and every day,” said Executive Director Stella Hanly, “but Paws in the Park is one of our favorite ways to connect with that community, meet a lot of amazing animals, and raise awareness and funds for Alexandria’s animals.”
The first 1,000 attendees at Paws in the Park will receive a one-of-a-kind swag bag. Paws in the Park is open to leashed, well-behaved pets of all types. Proceeds from Paws in the Park benefit the AWLA, which supports homeless animals in Alexandria, as well as pets and people throughout the community. Sponsorships are still available, and more information about attending or participating in this year’s festival can be found at PawsintheParkVA.com.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Erin Shackelford
Marketing and Communications Specialist
(703) 746-5656
eshackelford@AlexandriaAnimals.org
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About the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has been a beacon of hope for animals and the people who love them. Through adoptions, spay and neuter assistance, education, community service and outreach, the AWLA plays a key role in promoting responsible pet care across Northern Virginia. Additionally, the AWLA works with the City of Alexandria to provide animal care, control, protection and operates the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, an open-admission animal sheltering facility.
The AWLA is able to support pet families and at-risk animals thanks to the kindness of generous donors. This month, consider a gift to fuel our mission of enriching the lives of animals and pet lovers alike. You can learn more about the AWLA and find ways to support Alexandria’s animals at www.AlexandriaAnimals.org/Support-Us.