Local Animal Group Holding Furry Fest Saturday

The Holiday Inn at Fogelsville is going to the dogs – and cats – this weekend when The Sanctuary at Haafsville puts on Furry Fest Saturday.

The festival runs 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at the intersection of Route 100 and Interstate 78. The event will feature dog licensing and micro chipping, 15 vendors who offer specialized pet products and services and door prizes every half hour.

Five local animal rescue groups will be on hand with animals for adoption and there will be raffles of baskets and a quilt to benefit the Sanctuary, according to Liz Jones, Sanctuary community outreach coordinator.

Furry Fest will also hold its first “Un-run” which will start at 1 p.m. and end at 1:01 p.m., according to Jones. Participants are asked to get sponsors – who will pledge money for the participant to NOT run 50 miles. “The starting line is right next to the finish line,” she said.

“When the 5Ks first came out, they were unique but now everybody has them,” Jones said. So the Sanctuary decided to do an “Un-run” which can be held rain or shine. Participants won’t get a t-shirt or water bottle and all the money collected will go toward helping rescued dogs and cats. Those interested in participating can go to The Sanctuary's site.

Among the vendors at Furry Fest will be some selling special leashes, collars, coats and pet beds, as well as others with information about their doggie day care facilities and pet sitters.

The Sanctuary at Haafsville is in Upper Macungie Township.