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Celebrate South Orange to "Go to the Dogs"
Thursday, June 7, 2012 • 3:13pm
Why shouldn’t your dog be able to enjoy Celebrate South Orange as much as you do? That’s the thinking behind two new CSO features designed especially for festival-goers and their pets. Entering its sixth year, the family-friendly downtown festival, to be held on Saturday, June 16, has made a name for itself as South Orange, NJ’s signature annual community event.
Organizers have announced CSO’s first-ever PetFest, an area of the festival where dogs and their owners can gather to relax and play. CSO’s PetFest was the brainchild of festival volunteer Robyn Brody-Kaplan, who thought that a dog park might attract longtime CSO-goers and passers-by alike. “At many outdoor festivals, there isn’t really a place to hang out if you have your pet along,” she explained. “Setting up an area for dogs and owners at Celebrate South Orange encourages more people to come out and enjoy the music and the day.”
CSO PetFest will be located in an enclosed area on Sloan Street near the gazebo and will be open during the festival from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Water, treats, and toys will be provided by PetSmart of Millburn.
Dogs who crave the spotlight (along with their owners, of course) will want to take part in CSO’s inaugural Pup Parade, to be held at 5:00 p.m. at the Celebrate South Orange SecondStage. Prizes will be awarded in a number of categories, including the dog most resembling its owner, best South Orange spirit, and, naturally, CSO Best in Show. “Our dogs are as diverse as our town,” Brody-Kaplan said, “and we’re looking forward to seeing all of them strut their stuff on the CSO stage!”
The Pup Parade will take place at the CSO SecondStage in the NJ Transit lot adjacent to SOPAC. Dogs of all ages and breeds are encouraged to participate. No registration is necessary; all participating dogs and owners are asked to arrive at the CSO SecondStage no later than 4:45 p.m. All dogs participating in the parade must be leashed.
More information on Celebrate South Orange 2012, including entertainment lineups, participating vendors/community organizations, sponsors, and volunteering opportunities, is available at www.celebratesouthorange.org.
