Critters, humans take over Game Farm Park in Petpalooza

Jessie eats everything, tires easily on walks, slips under the covers and pretends nobody can see her.

And, Radine Lozier beamed with evident pride of ownership, Jessie’s a world-class drooler.

This 6-year-old beagle with the sweet disposition and over-excitable saliva glands, was one among hundreds of furred and feathered guests who converged on Game Farm Park on Saturday with owners in tow to whoop it up at Auburn’s second-annual Petpalooza.

Between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., the sun-drenched park became animal central, replete with barking, howling, tweeting, meowing and squeaking. There was lots to see-and-do, from a Dog Trot to a fun run, from Frisbee tossing to a dog-smooching contest and goofy pet tricks.

And with all those furry characters about the place, strutting their stuff, some stopping to sniff each other, who would not be entertained?

There was Bow, a 6-year-old English Bulldog, a dandy among the canine set, sporting a pair of shades and a snazzy leather cap. He was on his way to show the world what he had.

“We’re taking him over to the best-dressed dog contest,” owner Cathy Holmes said in passing.

Towering above the earth-bound, beefy Bow was Magnuson, a Great Dane.

“He’s a real couch potato,” said owner Troy Bohlen, adding that it takes a whole lot of couch to accommodate this particular spud.

“He has his own queen-sized bed,” Bohlen added.

At the other end of the doggy spectrum was Lilly, a 4-pound, 2½-year-old, long-haired chihuahua, “four pounds of furious energy, a bird catcher extraordinaire,” owner Dana Sitarzewski said as she cradled the confident, assertive, pint-sized pooch.

More than 70 vendors displayed their products, hawked food and drinks and gave stuff away. Some offered advice for those who desired greater intimacy with their pets.

“I’m an animal communicator, a creature counselor,” declared Penelope Jenson, a vendor from Bonney Lake. “I help animals and their humans connect on a deeper level. I help with behavior problems, and with death and dying issues for animals that have crossed over.”

The day started off at 9:30 a.m. with the 3K Dog Trot Fun Run. In conjunction with the Dog Trot and Petpalooza, Messiah Lutheran Church offered a celebration and blessing of pets from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The fun continued in the park with an animal-related entertainment stage, Skyhoundz Canine Disc Championships, a petting zoo, an agility area, the “Unleashed” pet contests, a mechanical bull and inflatable rides.

Along with the pet parade, the Main Stage entertainment offered Reptile Isle, Valentine Performing Pigs, The Parrot Lady and more.

“It’s going great,” said Khristy Pachciarz, special events coordinator for the Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department, at midday. “It exceeded all our expectations again. We estimate about 5,000 to 10,000 people showed up. It’s hard to know for sure because a lot of these folks who came with their animals can’t stay for a long period of time, compared to Kids Day where they stay for the entire event. It’s grown from last year with 34 more vendors and a lot more sponsorship support.

“… We’re seeing all kinds of different dog breeds,” Pachciarz added. “Auburn loves its animals, and it’s lots of fun,”

The Washington Festivals & Events Association recently recognized the Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Department for its efforts in coordinating the inaugural Petpalooza, which picked up the gold medal award for community service. The event also was awarded a gold medal award for T-shirt design and a silver medal award for Best Overall Promotional Campaign.

PETPALOOZA PODIUM

Dog Trot winners

• 8 and under: Jack Gray and Chewbacca

• 9-12: Emma Lloyd and Bruiser

• 13-19: Emily Morisawa and Meggie

• 20-35: Andrew McCurdy and Chloe

• 36-54: James Aherbery and Zoey

• 55 plus: Sherman Charlea and Pako

(Number refers to age of owner)

Winners of the “unleashed” pet contest:

• Best Dressed: Sammie, a dachshund dressed like an Indian

• Best Pooch Smooch: Pauline Oslin and Lacy