Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce hosts first dog-friendly event
By Meagan McGone
mmcgone@hometownnewsol.com
BREVARD - Dogs throughout the county will put their best paws forward for the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce's newest event.
Woofstock Brevard 2012, a free family event that will take place on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Palm Bay Community Center, aims to connect the community and local businesses through canine compassion. And true to its name, the event is dog-friendly.
Cynthia Dale, marketing manager for the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce, said hosting this type of event is very new to the chamber.
"Our main mission was to engage the pet community, and we are pleased to say that this goal was accomplished," Ms. Dale said.
Woofstock Brevard 2012 will feature indoor and outdoor agility and obedience demonstrations, more than 50 pet product and service vendors, expert speakers, raffle prizes, a dog-food drive and the Woofstock Brevard 2012 Facebook Photo Contest results.
The contest, which kicked off on Sept. 3 and will run until Sept. 24, features photos of dogs on Facebook, submitted by their owners, vying to win in categories such as "best groomed" and "cutest mutt." Dogs with the most "likes" will be recognized at Woofstock Brevard 2012, Ms. Dale said.
The chamber expects more than 500 people to attend the event, Ms. Dale said.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Humane Society, as well as a few chosen pet banks.
Ms. Dale said while she expects a great turnout, the focus of the event is to promote doing good within the community.
"There was no way to predict participation or attendance, but we are sure it will be a success," she said. "We believe this event will grow each and every year and will benefit more and more pet-related organizations that need the support of our community."
Woofstock Brevard 2012 will be held on Sept. 29 from noon to 6 p.m. at The Palm Bay Community Center, at 1502 Port Malabar Blvd. in Palm Bay.
For more information, visit www.greaterpalmbaychamber.com or call 321-473-8904.