Toronto Woofstock 2017 on May 27 and May 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
It will be Woofstock's second year at its new location at Woodbine Park (which I've personally visited for the first time this year to replenish my stock of photos!) but I know that its spirit remains the same. The festival is obviously for dog owners but frustrated dog lovers like myself (who can't have one because of an allergic family member) will enjoy the display of breeds. They come in all kinds, with assorted masters: pocket dogs with funny hairdos, fabulous royal poodles, good old golden retrievers with kids attached. Exhibitors used to compete to promote dog portraits, dog summer camps, organic cookies for dogs, posh pet furniture, dog paddling adventure, to name just a few. I've seen less of that in 2015 but the event will probably need a few years to grow back to what it was at the end when on Front Street. Dogs (not kids!) still get free cookies, samples, and gifts during the event.
Among the line-up of activities, expect: obstacle course, stupid dog trick contests, best costume contests, super dogs shows, fashion shows... One of everyone's favourite was the Lure Courses which any dog could try for $10. They featured a rope circuit with an irresistible moving lure that dogs would instinctively run after, jumping over small obstacle along the way and never catching the teasing object. Lots of fun to watch!
