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ORLAND PARK, IL — Orland Township’s 11th annual pet fair and fundraiser, Pet-Palooza, attracted nearly 2,500 guests on Saturday, September 16. With live entertainment provided by The Band Sundance, free food samples, the ever-so-popular Kids Zone, and 40 different vendors present, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Pet-Palooza has garnered immense popularity among pet owners and animal enthusiasts. With each passing year, the event takes the celebration of our furry friends to an even greater level. From fundraising for the Orland Township Pet Pantry, to showcasing an array of pets, such as dogs, cats, and even exotic animals, like reptiles and arachnids, to organizing exciting competitions and attractions, this festival has become a hub for all things pet-related.
The festival not only caters to the entertainment and happiness of pets but also provides a unique opportunity for owners to gather valuable information regarding pet care, health, and well-being. Numerous stalls and vendors set up shop, offering a wide range of pet-related products and services, from trendy accessories to nutritious pet food. The festival truly fosters a sense of community, bringing together pet lovers from all walks of life and creating an environment of joy and companionship.
Additionally, Pet-Palooza’s partnership with local animal rescues is vital to the mission of the event. Animal Welfare League, Cache Creek Rescue, Feline Fine Cat Rescue, Illinois Shorthair Rescue, P.A.W.S. Tinley Park, One Goal Animal Foundation, St. Sophia’s Forgotten Felines, and Traveling Tails Dog Rescue were all onsite with a number of adoptable pets and information about them.
Out of the many adoptable animals present on Saturday, 5 from Cache Creek Rescue found their fur-ever homes at Pet-Palooza, along with another 8 pets from St. Sophia’s Forgotten Feline’s. Several other animals present at the event are also pending adoption through their respective rescues. Orland Township is happy to have played a part in helping find so many loving animals’ new homes.
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“While Pet-Palooza’s main goal is to be able to continue to provide a helping hand to local pets in need through the Orland Township Food Pantry, we feel the necessity to go above and beyond by offering opportunities to connect local rescues with members of the community looking to add a furry friend to their family.” Said Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady.
“Being out here and witnessing the number of people who come together to make a difference, whether that be through donating, volunteering, or adopting, it makes you realize the good that is in this world; in our community.”
Besides the philanthropy of Pet-Palooza, several family-friendly fun activities are always present: such as pet contests. The most notable winner, however, was Zeus Pohl, a 5-month-old Maine Coon. The cat was formally announced as Orland Township’s 2023 SuPETvisor on stage before the beginning of six additional contests.
Zeus succeeded last year’s first-ever SuPETvisor, Copper LaPrairie, with over 600 votes. Residents can enter their pets in the SuPETvisor contest via the Pet-Palooza Facebook page a month before the event itself, making it the only Pet-Palooza activity that begins beforehand.
“What the Township does here is really nice,” said resident Barbara Mackey, who attends Pet-Palooza annually with her now 11-year-old dachshund, Baxter. “We like giving back when we can. The event gives us a reason to get out and do that while getting to enjoy ourselves, and we get to include Baxter. It’s a real treat for us.”
Her husband, Bob, agreed. “Sometimes people forget how much our dogs, our pets, mean to us. They’re a part of the family like they’re our children. It’s great to have a local event where they’re welcome, and where we can receive support if we need it.”
All proceeds from Pet-Palooza benefit the Orland Township Pet Pantry, “Crashy’s Closet,” which was founded by Supervisor O’Grady and his wife and named for a beloved O’Grady family rescue cat.
It’s estimated Orland Township received over 450lbs of donated pet food for the Orland Township Food Pantry. The Township appreciates every donation received, whether it be pet food, human food, monetary, or pet services at Pet-Palooza.
Orland Township would like to thank $500+ TOP DOG Sponsors:
- Vet Tech Institute at Fox College
- Minnie’s Memorial Fund
- Duluth Trading Company Orland Park
- Andy’s Frozen Custard Orland Park
- Raising Cane’s Orland Park
Cat’s Meow Sponsors:
- Thrive Pet Healthcare
- Twin Tails Market & Barkery
- International Subaru Orland Park
Hot Dog Sponsors:
- Camp Bow Wow New Lenox
- Dogtopia
- EXIT Realty Redefined Burr Ridge
- Midwest Animal Hospital
- Bratcher Midas Orland Park
- Prairie State Veterinary Clinic
If you missed Pet-Palooza, but are still interested in donating to the cause, you can visit www.orlandtownship.org for ways to give back. For further information, call Orland Township at (708) 403-4222, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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