POTTSTOWN PA – The 12th annual Pottstown Pet Fair, which features what organizers say are regional groups “who have made it their mission to serve your furry family members” and other animals, returns Sept. 9 (2023; Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Memorial Park, 75 W. King St.
The event, presented by the Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department, is free to attend and open to the public.
The pet fair focuses on animal rescues, pet adoption organizations, shelters, animal healthcare and pet supply businesses, animal welfare groups, and community organizations. It offers an opportunity for those who attend to connect with other animal lovers, services, and retailers.
Perhaps most important, it also represents the ability to connect with regional shelters and rescue groups that hope to find homes for animals needing families. Not all participating organizations provide on-site adoptions, but promoters suggest there may be no better place than the pet fair to locate a rescued animal that needs someone to take them home.
Animals, activities, and a pet food drive
The Pottstown Pet Fair offers a variety of family-friendly activities. They include:
- Activity areas hosted by Pottstown Community Arts, and the Pottstown Children’s Discovery Center;
- A free petting zoo, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., hosted by Party Animal Express and sponsored by Pottstown Parks and Recreation;
- Food sold on-site by Comfort Kitchen, and Coventry Ice Cream Parlor at Laurel Locks;
- Fun and upbeat music provided throughout the day by DJ Steve Petrelli;
- A blessing of the animals by the Rev. James Cox of Saint Mary’s Church in Schwenksville, at 11:30 a.m. in the William Sharon Memorial Garden, adjacent to the event area. The blessing was a favorite of the pet fair’s founder, the late William “Bill” Sharon, and is offered in his memory; and
- Kitty and puppy raffle baskets, sponsored by Pottstown Parks and Recreation and Pottstown PetSmart on Town Square Road.
“Get there early,” the department said. The first 300 visitors will receive an annual “Pottstown Pet Fair can coozie.”
Also this year, volunteers will collect donations of unopened pet food to benefit the Animal House Project. It’s a Pottstown-based non-profit organization that provides free pet food to qualifying residents in need. Its goal: to ensure no pet goes hungry due to financial hardships. Organizers encourage visitors to bring shelf-stable food to the event and donate it at the Animal House Project booth.
The legacy of an animal welfare advocate
The Pottstown Pet Fair was established 14 years ago by Sharon, a lifelong Pottstown resident and borough employee. He was an ardent supporter of his hometown and an advocate for animal welfare, especially through the rescue of local stray cats.
Pottstown CATNaps, an organization of which Sharon was an enthusiastic member, has been one of the pet fair’s cornerstone organizations for years.
Other organizations participating this year – providing information, give-aways, raffles, and animals for adoption – include American Brittany Rescue, Blind Dog Rescue Alliance, Mostly Muttz, CatAngel Network, 3Husketeers, Main Line Animal Rescue, Fosterlings Inc., and long-time silver-level sponsor Noah’s Pet Motel.
The event has been organized and hosted by the Pottstown Parks and Recreation Department since Sharon’s passing in 2018. Its proceeds benefit the department and defray its event costs.
Over the years, the Pottstown Pet Fair has given community animal enthusiasts opportunities to gather in fellowship at one of Pottstown’s premier destination parks. It also has proven to be a showcase for the Borough of Pottstown, as well as an attraction that draws residents from across the Greater Pottstown region.
Photos from earlier Pottstown Pet Fairs by Travels With The Post
Pottstown Pet Fair banner provided by the borough Parks and Recreation Department
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