LANCASTER, MA—On Oct. 6, 2024, the 26th annual Pet Rock Festival officially established its new home at the Lancaster Fairgrounds, and the day was nothing short of perfect (or pretty darned close). Clear skies, crisp autumn air, and an electric energy set the stage for a day filled with animal advocacy, fun, live music, and community.
The Lancaster Fairgrounds, “home of the Bolton Fair,” is a sprawling and picturesque location, ideally enveloping the package Pet Rock Fest wants to deliver. It provides ample space for all our vendors, animal welfare organizations, and attendees to enjoy. The grounds featured grassy open areas, a pond (which became a favorite for dogs), shaded picnic areas, and multiple pavilions. Its size and layout were ideal for accommodating the diverse activities that Pet Rock Festival offers—from K9 demos to the annual Pet Parade.
As always, the festival brought together a wide range of activities and attractions, each focused on promoting kindness to animals. K9 demonstrations, the Fursuiters, author signings, speakers, dog contests, animal hero awards, and interactive activities by CMDART and the American Red Cross were just a few highlights of the day. The disc dog team, Pups in the Air, had the crowd cheering as dogs soared through the air, catching frisbees with impressive precision.
The live music lineup kept the energy high, with performances from local favorites like Office Party Band, Petty Larceny (yes, the Pet Rock pun was real!), Vivi and Da Funk, and the headliner, Ricky Duran. Each band brought their own flair, and the crowd was loving every minute of it. As always, music is a huge part of the festival, and this year’s artists didn’t disappoint.
At the heart of the Pet Rock Festival is our mission to raise awareness for animal welfare, and this year, hundreds of animal organizations and nonprofits participated. From rescues and shelters to advocacy groups, the festival was filled with dedicated organizations working hard to make a difference for animals. The Rescue Groups and Shelters Pet Parade was a heartwarming showcase of the work being done to save and protect animals.
Thanks to all who attended, the festival not only spread awareness but also raised substantial funds to support the animal welfare causes we care so deeply about. With the help of our sponsors, including our Festival Sponsor MA Homes, LLC, and all the vendors and donors, we are making strides to continue this important work.
Congratulations to No Mutts Left Behind and Animal Assisted Therapy Services, who tied to win the shelter and rescue group pet parade. And more congrats to Pug Rescue of New England and Company 2 Heroes, this year’s winners of the Pet Rock Fest lottery. These organizations received $500 each from Pet Rock Fest. Margie Ferriera was happy to win the 50/50 raffle, receiving a check for $315 from Pet Rock Fest.
After this year’s success, we are thrilled to announce that the Lancaster Fairgrounds is officially the new home for the Pet Rock Festival, to be held on Sunday, Oct. 5, from noon to 5 p.m. Its size, accessibility, and beautiful setting are a perfect match for our needs. We’re already looking forward to next year and are confident that Pet Rock Fest will continue to grow and thrive in this amazing venue.
A huge thank you goes out to every single person who helped make the 26th annual Pet Rock Festival a day to remember. Whether you volunteered, performed, exhibited, donated, or simply came out to enjoy the day with your pets, your participation is what makes this festival so special.
Thank you for supporting Pet Rock Festival throughout the year (we raise funds for animals all year long!) and for making a positive impact on animals everywhere! We can't wait to see you again.
For updates on the plans for the event, groups signed up to attend, and other official or not so official news, visit petrockfest.org or check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/petrockfest, on X (formerly Twitter) @Petrockfestival and Instagram @petrockfest.
Celebrating more than 25 years, Pet Rock Fest is the largest event of its kind in the Northeast, an annual festival that promotes kindness to animals and responsible pet ownership. Pet Rock Fest, held in the fall each year, is a family festival that features guest speakers, vegetarian food, live music, games, events, a raffle, vendors, and hundreds of area animal welfare organizations. Pet Rock is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible.
If you’d like more information, visit www.petrockfest.org.
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