The weather is getting cooler, leaves are getting crunchier, air is getting crisper, pups are getting friskier and the vibes are getting spookier. That can only mean one thing…it’s time for our Marty Place Howl-O-Ween Family Fest on Saturday, October 19! As our largest fundraiser of the year, Howl-O-Ween Family Fest raises money to help Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary carry out our mission of providing a safe, loving and protected environment for senior dogs in need of homes.
About Marty’s Place
If you’ve been following us for a while, we’re grateful for your support and are excited to bring you some new blog content. If you’re new to the Marty’s Place blog, welcome! We’re so glad you found us. Marty’s Place was founded in 2015 by Doreen Jakubcak in honor of her senior dog, Marty. Doreen and her family adopted Marty in his elderly years and gave him a safe and loving home until he crossed the rainbow bridge in 2010. You can learn more about how Marty’s Place got started, our mission/vision and other details here.
Marty’s Place is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and it is the generosity, kindness and donations from the community that allow us to house senior dogs without homes in the safe, loving, family-like environment of our sanctuary. They receive the physical care and companionship, medical attention, exercise and affection they need to thrive 365 days a year.
Howl-O-Ween Family Fest
Throughout the year, we fundraise in many ways through partnerships with local restaurants, breweries and businesses, events, planned giving, online shopping and more. Our biggest fundraiser of the year is on site right at Marty’s Place every October – the annual Howl-O-Ween Family Fest, which takes place this year on Saturday, October 19 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Unfortunately, last year’s Howl-O-Ween Family Fest was canceled due to inclement weather, so this year’s event is even more crucial for raising funds.
There is so much fun packed into the day (for only a $5 admission fee!) including our most popular event – the K9 Costume Contest, agility demonstrations and participation, K9 police dog demonstrations, hayrides, music, vendors, food trucks, gift basket and 50/50 cash raffles, dog blessings, and other fall-inspired games and activities for children, adults and canines.
What’s new this year
We have some new and exciting highlights this year including:
- A pie eating contest for both canines and their humans – The K9 pie eating contests will feature four groups depending on weight, with an 8-10 dog limit per group, taking place at 2:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. If you are a brave human who would like to challenge other brave, pie-loving humans (8 person limit), we have a pie eating contest just for you at 3 pm. Check out our event page for specific sign up and timing information.
- Talent contests for the canines – Do you have a Beagle Knievel who can jump over a bus on a motorcycle? No? That’s ok because there’s no major talent required for this contest. We want you to show off your dogs and whatever cute things they can do. Rolling over, shaking hands/paws, speaking – no “talent” is too small for this competition. Contest starts at 1:45 p.m. Check out our event page for registration times and more info.
- Tik Tok celebrity – Dr. Adam Christman the Dachshund Doc will be emceeing the pie eating and talent contests!
- Craft beer and wine garden for the adults 21 and over – this one speaks for itself! Cheers!
- Animal communicator mini-readings with Marcia Minunni of Tails of Wellness – Readings offer clarity, guidance and insights – all from your pet’s point of view. Readings are $30 and must be purchased in advance in our event offers on our website starting Wednesday, October 16 at 7 p.m. for the day so mark your calendar as sign-ups are first come, first served. Visit our event page for more detailed info on what you need to know before scheduling a reading. The proceeds from the readings go directly to Marty’s Place to help senior dogs.
Ways to Participate/Support
- Come to the event! Tickets for admission are $5 per person and children under 6 are free. Plan to stay for as long as possible as we have a fantastic schedule of activities from start to finish. Check out the full schedule here.
- Purchase a 50-50 ticket (Cash, Check or Zelle only – $5 per ticket) in advance or cash only on event day. If you’re unable to attend but would like to purchase 50-50 tickets please email: info@martysplace.org. You don’t have to be present to win. Last year’s jackpot was over $31,000!
- Become a sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities are still available: Check out the event offeringsfor more information or email siammatteo@kmd-law.com.
- Can’t join the event? You can still support this cause by donating online!
Tips for a fun time
- Check the activity schedule and plan accordingly! There are so many fun activities happening throughout the day, so you don’t want to miss anything. And some – like the talent, costume and pie eating contests – require registration. To get all the times, visit our event page.
- Bring a chair or blanket. While we provide tables and chairs and hay bales for seating near the main stage, you are welcome to bring your own lawn chairs or blankets.
- Bring your dog! Well socialized dogs are welcome. Dogs must be leashed (not longer than 6ft leash, no retractable leashes) at all times and you are responsible for cleaning up after your pet.
- Bring your kids! Children are welcome at the event but are not permitted in the beer garden and are reminded to be respectful when approaching unfamiliar dogs.
- Be prepared with payment methods. 50-50 tickets are cash only on event day, and cash is preferred for entry fee. Elsewhere in the event cash, credit card, Venmo, Zelle and PayPal will be accepted.
- Plan to stay for the duration. To really enjoy all that Howl-O-Ween Family Fest has to offer, plan to stay as long as you can. We promise you a day packed with fun from start to finish!
How you can help Marty’s Place and senior dogs
Funds raised from the Howl-O-Ween Family Fest support dogs not only living at Marty’s Place, but also those in our lifelong foster and senior pet assistance programs.
Our Lifelong Foster Program enables us to save the lives of more dogs by safely placing them in well-vetted forever homes. We make it affordable by providing financial assistance for our fostered dogs as we cover expenses for medical care, food and basic supplies.
Our Senior Pet Assistance Program provides financial assistance to qualified senior citizens, making it possible to keep a senior dog in their homes despite financial challenges they may face. This program covers veterinarian visits for certain preventative screenings, food and medicine, medical grooming and dental care. If specialty care is needed, this will be considered on an individual basis.
We are always looking to expand the number of dogs we help. Your generosity is how we make this happen. Please consider attending the Howl-O-Ween Family Fest or donating in other ways. We can’t wait to see you and your family (human and canine) on October 19! The staff, volunteers and senior “pups” are all so grateful for your support!
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