Editor’s Note: Grateful Rescue and Sanctuary’s Grateful Fest has been postponed until its August 14 rain date, due to the threat of inclement weather. It was to be held on Saturday at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. Issues including problems erecting tents on muddy grounds, plus the effect muddy conditions would have on the planned car show, children’s carnival and vendor services forced the postponement.
By John Carlson—
Muncie, IN– Lots of folks have probably wanted to paint a picture of their dog. But have you ever wondered what kind of picture your dog would paint of you?
The answer to this and more awaits when the First Annual Grateful Fest comes to the Delaware County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 19.
Set for 11 a.m.-7 p.m., the event supports Grateful Rescue and Sanctuary and its expansion.
Admission is FREE.
“There’s nothing like this, with so many events in one place,” said Pamela Lewis Terhune, Grateful’s founder. “It’s going to be very cool.”
So what will it feature?
It’d almost be easier to tell you what it won’t.
There’ll be a fire-truck pull. Teams will include one from Woof Boom Radio, and other teams are still being recruited as contestants. Live music and a car show are set, plus a “cutest pet photo” contest that will cost $5 to enter and pay off in $500 worth of merchandise for the winner. A community art sale is to be held, plus there will be food trucks and an assortment of vendors selling a variety of fun products.
“There’ll be something for everyone,” Terhune promised.
But wait, there’s more …
For the little ones it will include a petting zoo and a Kids’ Carnival featuring a Bounce House, some rides and carnival games.
For the bigger ones, especially IndyCar racing fans, no less a personage than two-time Indy 500 winner Al Unser Jr. will also be on hand.
And as befits a fundraiser for Grateful Rescue and Sanctuary, there are a number of pet-related events scheduled. As previously noted, what pet owner wouldn’t want a painting done by his dog or cat? Pet owners can make that happen at the Grateful Fest, where it could turn out your puppy is nothing less that a Picasso of pooches! Or even artistically challenged humans can paint their own pet, through a method that ensures an entertaining result.
There will be pet demonstrations, too, and pet symposia hosted by pet experts. There will also be demonstrations involving dog interactions with both police and fire personnel.
In addition, a large tent will be set up where folks attending the Grateful Fest can learn more about Grateful Rescue and Sanctuary and its community programs. “Community” is the operative word here because, despite serving pets, the group serves any number of people, too, from kids to seniors, active military personnel to veterans, plus folks in a range of rehabilitation services.
Sponsoring the June 19 event is Roo’s Holistic Pet Supplies.
To sign up teams for the fire-engine pull, or find the answers to other questions, go to gratefulfest.org, email gratefulrescue@gmail.com or call Mike Carson at (765)273-1043.
