Photo Credit: Courtesy of Gina Sowell and City of Chandler Recreation Division
In the fall of 2008, a new canine-friendly family tradition was begun in the city of Chandler (Ariz.) with the inaugural Woofstock, also known as “The Great Chandler Dog Walk,” at Tumbleweed Park. Since then, community enthusiasm and support for the various pet activities offered have been so great that on November 17, the city will host the fifth annual event with the American Service Animal Society (ASAS) and the Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC).
In The Beginning
Woofstock was conceived as a free festival with activities for families and their four-legged companions to enjoy on a fall Saturday. The community responded favorably to the concept, as more than 2,500 residents turned out the first year. By welcoming dogs as a valued part of residents’ lives, organizers uncovered an appealing event for all ages. These positive experiences, coupled with marketing initiatives, contributed to the attendance increasing 25 percent each year. More than 4,000 people participated in 2011, and staff expects that number to approach 5,000 next month.
A year prior to the inaugural Woofstock, the ASAS decided to organize a walk to raise funds for and awareness of disabled veterans in Arizona. However, when the organization experienced a setback, the event was postponed. At the same time, city staff was developing the other event, so the two organizations teamed up to create one large community project that would convey the messages of both agencies. The MCACC soon joined in the effort in holding a concert to raise awareness for pet adoption, care, and education, while finding homes for an average of 35 dogs each fall.