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The animal-themed signs and tie-dye hanging from lampposts in downtown Ellijay signal the upcoming Woofstock festivities presented by Friends of the Gilmer Animal Shelter.
The presenters of an animal-themed parade and event have traded their shamrocks for tie-dye, but the purpose of the festivities remains the same.
Previously known as St. Petrick’s Day, the event helmed by the Friends of the Gilmer Animal Shelter (FOGAS) is now known as Woofstock.
The first Woofstock will take place Saturday, April 15, in the courthouse parking lot. The event begins at 10 a.m.
The annual St. Petrick’s festivities were previously handled by the downtown Ellijay merchants’ association before coming under the direction of FOGAS in 2019, noted Sylvia Harris, FOGAS president.
With the change to Woofstock, Harris said the organizers are hoping to have more stable weather for the event by moving it back from the normal time of around St. Patrick’s Day.
“We just couldn’t deal with the weather. Like last year, there was an ice storm,” she added. “It’s (now) going to be a ‘60s Woodstock-type, hippie, tie-dye theme.”
The pet/owner parade, which is still part of the daylong schedule, gets going at noon. The parade route will begin on McCutchen Street in front of Ellijay Elementary School, then head through the downtown roundabout and end on Dalton Street, Harris noted.
Owners are welcome to bring their animals to walk or enjoy the day out. Dressing in ‘60s attire is encouraged, but not a must. Dogs are certainly the most common animal attendees, but most any pet is welcome, Harris said. Various pet/owner contests will be held throughout the day, she added.
“One of our categories is most unusual pet. The most unusual one we’ve had was probably a snake, a bald python,” said Harris.
The event will also feature vendors, live music and opportunities for pet adoptions from Homeward Bound, the Gilmer Animal Shelter and Furry Purrs, a local cat rescue. One unique vendor, Freedom for Fido, builds fencing for dogs that are kept on chains, Harris noted.
“They’re out of Fannin County. Hopefully they can get some interest in starting a Gilmer County chapter,” she added.
Woofstock attendees will be entertained by Ultimate Air Dogs, in which dogs “dock dive” into a 40-foot pool of water.
“Anyone can bring their dog out to dock dive. The only requirement is they have to know how to swim,” said Harris.
Woofstock is free to attend and open to the public. There will be a $5 per pet fee to participate in the parade, Harris noted. Money raised will go to fund future FOGAS projects including reduced cost spay/neuter and pet vaccination clinics.