2025 Events Schedule

Stage One (The Music Stage)

schedule subject to change

Emcee: Legendary media personality Peter “Zip” Zipfel

Noon: opening remarks – Founding partners Charlene Arsenault and Jeannie Hebert kick off the festival with an enthusiastic welcome to all

12:15 p.m.: The Wray-Ons

1:15 p.m. Eldon James and the One-Eyed Cat

2:15 p.m. Headliner David Cook, winner of "American Idol"

3:15 p.m. P.E. James

Stage Two (The Animal Action Stage)

Schedule subject to change

12:30 p.m. Annual Pet Rock Festival "Juno" Hero Awards presentation to Senator Michael Moore, and members of the Brookfield Fire Department

1 p.m. Animal Shelter and Rescue Group Pet Parade

1:45 p.m. Blessing of the animals with Reverend Meghan Mantler from The Nativity Church in Northborough

2:00 p.m. Amateur Dog Show (SIGN UP AT THE MAIN INFO TENT)

Prizes include medals, trophies and prize bags stuffed with prizes from sponsors that include Maggie's Food for Pets, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Woofie's of Northborough, Pet Supplies Plus-Lunenburg, Three Feathers Healing, L & B’s Treats n Sweets, Surfing Goat Soaps by Hames & Axle Farms

2 p.m. Best Ears
2:15 p.m. Owner-Dog Look Alike
2:30 p.m. Waggiest Tail
2:45 p.m. Best Vocalist
3 p.m. Sweetest Face

3:30 p.m. Featured speakers

3:45 p.m.: Drawing for the two lottery winners (each nonprofit receiving $500 from Pet Rock)

AT THE INFORMATION/RAFFLE PAVILION

Cat Photo Contest sponsored by the Pet Barn, trophies and winners posted at the start of the festival, as this year, the contest is pre-judged by representatives from the Pet Barn. First, second and third place winners receive gift cards from Ellie's Pet Barn, a trophy and a burst of local fame

Buy your official Pet Rock T-shirt, hat, bandana or tank top and other Pet Rock items

Pick up information and pamphlets distributed by various animal organizations

The display of the Wall of Shame and Wall of Fame – check out the best and worst in animal news this year

Take part in the raffle, which is called in three rounds at the information tent (check times for announcements): see below for updated list of raffle prizes. Also, a 50/50 raffle!

MORE ONGOING ACTIVITIES

The Vegetarian Food Court is back, with the Vegan court again hosted by VegFest! This food court, which is in addition to our standard vendors that serve fried dough, fries, pizza and fried Oreos (yup, we've got those this year), includes vendors such as Lalos Mexican food truck, RastaRant, the Donut Shack and others to be named.

We've got DRINKS! Oh boy, do we have beverages this year, including those with alcohol. First of all, our major sponsor Tito's Handmade Vodka has Tito's PUPTAILS for sale.

And, in addition to water and soda and TITO'S PUPTAILS, JJ's Drink Shack offers these options:

Coors Light/Lite 16oz Alum
Corona Extra cans
Sun Cruiser Vodka & Tea cans
Truly Wildberry Hard Seltzer cans
White Claw Black Cherry Hard Seltzer cans
Wachusett Oktoberfest cans
Wachusett Pumpkin cans
Sam Adams Wicked Hazy cans
Heineken 0.0 cans

The Central Mass Disaster Animal Response Team (CMDART) will have a special presentation from Michelle Connors, Animal Control Officer, Sturbridge, on “Beyond Dogs and Cats: Best Handling of Other Animals in Emergencies." Connors also demos and discusses best practices for reptiles, guinea pigs, rabbits, turtles and other pets. Presentations from Connors take place will at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

CMDART also answers common Pet First Aid questions and demos a few PFA techniques including Pet CPR. Attendees may also sign up for its upcoming Pet First Aid courses. Agility!!? Yes, CMDART still offers a limited agility course this year. Use of the course is by donation, and is supervised. Sales of pet first aid kits and other pet items available. To volunteer and learn more about our team go to www.cmdart.org

SPLISH-SPLASH, THE DOG'S TAKIN' A BATH Let your pooch cool off in the Doggie Water Park, which includes pools, sprinklers and other water fun

Mass Vest-Dog K-9 demos, led by Littleton K-9 Officer Brian Casey and K-9 Milo, take place at 1 and 3 p.m. Officer Casey has been with the Littleton PD since 2008. His first K-9 was Vojak and worked for nine years, now enjoying retirement with the Casey family. K-9 Milo is a four-year-old dual purpose German Shepherd, certified in patrol and narcotics detection. K-9 Milo and Officer Casey were certified by NAPWDA USPCA and Boston Police K-9 Academy. Officer Casey also serves on the board of MA Vest-a-Dog.

Jump, jump, jump....jump around! Several inflatables/Moonbounces for kids will be available

Fan faves Pups in the Air Frisbee dog performances throughout the day. This is easily one of the highlights of the day and has been delighting crowds for years. These pups LEAP!

Diego’s Friends Farm Sanctuary is bringing Misty the mare, Pumpkin Spice the Juliana mini pig, and Trooper the farm dog to Pet Rock Fest, giving visitors a chance to meet them up close while learning about the intelligence and care needs of livestock animals. The sanctuary will share resources on animal nutrition, enrichment, zoning laws, and what to know before bringing home chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, or horses. In partnership with Empowered Equines, they’ll also spotlight positive reinforcement training for horses and other animals, and provide information on large animal rescue, MSPCA emergency training, and who to call in an emergency.

Stitch roams the grounds, delighting kids and adults (and dogs) alike, as do the FURSUITERS, a whimsical group of furry animal mascots (including Synth and Illume,) who delight the masses at fundraisers and charity events throughout New England.

JUNO'S PLACE returns to Pet Rock Fest! While sadly we lost Juno in 2023, the legacy for this ambassador for animal welfare known as “the little dog who does big things” continues. Juno's Place spreads awareness about various animal causes such as spay/neuter, working against breed specific legislation and promoting adoption. At Pet Rock Fest, Juno's pack includes Sweetpea Friends for Rutland Animals, Paws 4 a Cure, Mass Vest-A-Dog. And next door, visit the amazing Burt's Brigade!

Pig Yoga returns to Pet Rock Festival for its second year, presented by Beyond Yoga & Wellness. This all-levels, family-friendly Vinyasa Flow class takes place from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. and features two rescued pigs, Martha and Curly Fry, from Mini Mania Rescue Farm in Brimfield, MA. Participants can enjoy 35 minutes of yoga followed by 10 minutes of photo opportunities and time with the pigs. Space is limited and registration is $25 per person (reserve in advance HERE). After the class, Martha and Curly Fry will be available for visits through the end of the festival at 5 p.m.

VCA Hospitals answer questions regarding your pets wellness care through our “Ask the Vet” sessions. VCA also provides rabies vaccines for $20 and low-cost microchipping ($35), with all donations benefitting the Worcester Animal Rescue League

TidePool BookShop hosts the Pet Rock Book Nook with authors signing copies and reading from their animal-themed books.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS at the BOOK NOOK:

Maria Gianferrari

As a shy, animal-loving kid, Maria Gianferrari wishes she could have read to a horse like Snow. As a shy, animal-loving adult, she now gets to write about all kinds of creatures and the bonds that they share with humans in books like Be a Tree!, You and the Bowerbird, and To Dogs, with Love. Maria lives in Massachusetts with her family and dreams of reading Rain and the Reading Horse to a horse! You can learn more at her website: mariagianferrari.com.

Susan Richmond

Susan Edwards Richmond is the award-winning author of The Great Pollinator Count, the third book in Peachtree's "Community Science Counts" series. Her earlier titles for children include the Massachusetts Book Award Honor Title NIGHT OWL NIGHT, and BIRD COUNT, winner of the International Literacy Association's Primary Fiction Award and a Mathical Honor Book. Susan enjoys hiking and exploring with her husband and two adult daughters and learns the native wildlife wherever she travels.

Jacob Held

Dr. Jacob Held is a companion animal veterinarian who practices medicine in rural Massachusetts at Ashland Animal Hospital. He loves working with pet owners to promote the healthcare and well-being of cats and dogs of all breeds and backgrounds. He is also the proud father of two wonderful children, and a handsome pup named 'Fidelis'.

As a parent and veterinarian, Jacob’s mission is to craft fun and engaging stories to help kids learn valuable lessons from animals. Jacob hopes to use his platform as a veterinarian to educate pet parents and children about their roles in their pets' health care and wellbeing. He also aims to spread awareness about the realities of the veterinary profession. The inspiration for his writing stems from his experiences helping pets and spending time with his family.

Held's hardcovers sell for $21.99 and paperbacks sell for $10.99. For every hardcover sold $1 will be donated to the Baypath Humane Society - an animal rescue operation local to where Dr. Held practices. He'll also have giveaways such as dog treats, customized stickers, custom bookmarks, custom coloring pages, and more at his table!

Darcy Kate signs and sells copies of her book, too. Kate is a NH author and lifelong animal advocate whose storytelling blends heart, hope, and an uplifting dose of humor. Her debut novel, "You Can Call Me Clover: A Dog Rescue Story," invites readers into the world of a food-loving rescue dog whose journey from abandonment to belonging has resonated with animal lovers of all ages.

BRING THE KIDS TO BUDDY UP! This year, children ages 3 and up can have their own reading buddy dog thanks to Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, RedRover's Kind News Magazine, and TidePool BookShop. Visit the Reading Buddy tent behind these groups for a quiet, comfy spot for your child to pull out some dog-gone good reads with a special pup! 12-2; first come, first serve for 15 minute slots. Later times may be available, so come on by to check, and get your free Kind News magazine!

Animal Assisted Therapy Services conduct Canine Good Citizen tests. The AKC Canine Good Citizen test is regarded as the “gold standard” of dog obedience. In fact, some homeowners insurance companies will even offer a discount if the family’s dog has passed the AKC CGC. The CGC test involves 10 test items; all ten must be passed to receive your AKC certificate. Please visit the AaTs MA booth (look for the therapy dogs!) to take the CGC test. Walk-ups welcome. Test cost is $25 donation to AaTs MA. *AKC Tricks, CGCA, CGCU only offered if time allows*

The Refuge at Lyric Farm returns to Pet Rock Fest, this time along with its resident ambassadors Cosmo the Goat, Merry Berry the Sheep, and Crystal the Alpaca. Discover how wonderful and personable farm animals can be, and how you can be their hero! The Refuge at Lyric Farm is a fiscally sponsored project under the 501c3 nonprofit Players Philanthropy Fund, and are now able to accept tax deductible donations.

The Refuge welcomes humans to interact with the Refuge's residents by volunteering to help feed and care for them, and to discover how enjoyable they can be. No experience required. Neurodiverse individuals welcome.

Lacey's Lunchbox is collecting pet food donations at this year's Pet Rock Fest. A "take what you need, leave what you can" pet food pantry with three locations (and growing), the organization is ained at supporting pet owners in times of financial need. Lacey's provides free and accessible pet food through community-driven pantries and collections (today being one of those!), ensuring that no pet goes hungry. The project is in loving memory of Lacey, a service dog who was taken far too soon by cancer. Donations of unopened and unexpired dog and cat food will be graciously accepted at their booth.

WCRN broadcasts live from the fest!

Kids and adults, get your face painted with the skilled facepainter Mandy!

Bobo the Clown spins up some whimsical balloon animals

ENTER the Pet Rock Fest raffle, with tons of prizes that range from gift cards, to gift baskets to professional artwork and tickets

Want to donate a prize? Sponsor? Be a vendor? Get involved? We would love that. Email petrockfest@gmail.com

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