Pawtoberfest
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![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7b/Pawtober5.jpg/220px-Pawtober5.jpg)
Pawtoberfest is a fundraising event organized by the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region.[1] Consisting of a 5K run/walk followed by an outdoor festival, this event currently takes place in Colorado Springs, Colorado during September. Bear Creek Regional Park is the current location of this multi-faceted event. As of 2015, the race and festival have accumulated over 1,200 attendees (along with one or two canine companions each).[2]
History
[edit]Pawtoberfest was conceived as a promotional event by the HSPPR in an effort to encourage local pet adoption. The first Pawtoberfest in 2009 consisted of the K9-5K (then considered a separate event) on the streets of downtown Colorado Springs, followed by a festival on the porch of the Nosh restaurant.[3] In 2010 and 2011, the event was held at America the Beautiful Park. Although typically an outdoor event, the festival portion of Pawtoberfest was held in the Norris-Penrose Event Center in 2012 due to weather complications.[4] Subsequent races have been hosted by Bear Creek Regional Park; however, the event center is still utilized for its parking lot. A dog-friendly shuttle service is offered to take participants to the start line, or directly to the festival.[5]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/Pawtober6.jpg/220px-Pawtober6.jpg)
Recognition
[edit]Animal Planet acknowledged Pawtoberfest in its Top 10 Dog Festivals Summer Happy Everything list within its first few years.[6] More recently, several local Starbucks employees volunteered as an Starbucks Community Service project.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ Bradle, Trish (16 September 2015). "Pawtoberfest coming Saturday".
- ^ "Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region". Retrieved 2016-07-11.
- ^ "Pooches and pals celebrate a sunny Saturday". Retrieved 2016-06-29.
- ^ "Four-legged friends throw a costume party; Pawtoberfest raises money for Humane Society". The Colorado Springs Business Journal. 2012-10-05. Retrieved 2016-06-29.
- ^ "Pawtoberfest". www.pawtoberfest.org. Retrieved 2016-07-11.
- ^ "10: Pawtober Fest 5K (Colorado Springs, Colo.)". 2012-05-15. Retrieved 2016-06-30.
- ^ "Pawtoberfest | Starbucks Community Service". Starbucks Community Service. Retrieved 2016-06-30.