Get Ready to 'Paw'-ty at Orland Township's Pet-Palooza!

TINLEY PARK, IL — Join Orland Township for the 10th anni-fur-sary of Pet-Palooza! The 'paw'-ty is scheduled for Saturday, September 24, from noon to 3 p.m. on the Orland Township grounds, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park! This is a rain or shine event. Supervisor Paul O'Grady and the Board of Trustees invites everyone to come out to see what the community has to offer for our furry friends.

No pet? Don't sweat! Whether you're looking for a fun day out with your family or new place to explore with your pup, Pet-Palooza is the place for you. With plenty of local vendors (including various rescue organizations to help you find your newest best friend fur-ever!), residents are invited to a family friendly, fun-filled afternoon of activities. Pet-Palooza will feature more than 60 local vendors, ranging from pet boutiques and animal hospitals to rescue organizations with adoptable pets on-site, and local restaurants offering free samples of their cuisine.

Costumes for pets and their people are encouraged; especially if partaking in one of the six different pet contests returning this year, including Best Voice and Best Dressed! The Kids' Zone will include inflatable bounce houses, train rides, games, and prizes. And while at Pet-Palooza, kids will have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite characters, like Spiderman and the Disney Princesses!

Orland Township is now accepting applications from any local businesses, veterinarian clinics, restaurants, or animal rescues that would like to sponsor or attend Pet-Palooza as a vendor! Sponsorships, aside from benefiting a good cause, receive VIP perks and the most recognition amongst the community. This a 'purr-fect' opportunity to help pets in need; and for businesses and organizations to represent all they have to offer.

Those interested are highly encouraged to contact Robin Kassis or Mary Gerbas at (708) 403-4222 OR to fill out the vendor form at orlandtownship.org/petpalooza.

Owners are reminded that all well-behaved pets are more than welcome to attend. All pets must have up-to-date vaccinations, wear proper tags and be on a leash no longer than six feet. Rest areas for pets that are shaded and have water bowls and small pools will be set up onsite. Guests should enter Pet-Palooza at the driveway just north of the Township building. Admission to Pet-Palooza is free, however a donation of a 5-pound bag of pet food or a cash donation to the Orland Township Pet Pantry is strongly encouraged and greatly appreciated.
Additionally, a new pet contest has been created to get the community ready to 'raise the woof' at Pet-Palooza. Orland Township residents can nominate their beloved pets to be Orland Township's 'SuPETvisor' of The Year.

Between Monday Aug. 15 and Friday, Aug. 26, residents can nominate their pet by messaging the Pet-Palooza Facebook page (facebook.com/orlandtownshippetpalooza) a photo. The message should include their pet's name and a few sentences about why he/she would make a great 'SuPETvisor'. The message should also include a contact number and proof of Orland Township residency (example: State ID).
Between Thursday, Sept. 1 and Thursday, Sept. 22, everyone is invited to view all the nominees in a special Facebook post and vote for their favorite(s)! The winner will receive special recognition at the event and will be featured on select media for the next annual Pet-Palooza. The full list of rules can be found at orlandtownship.org/supetvisor.

All proceeds from Pet-Palooza will benefit the Orland Township Pet Pantry, "Crashy's Closet," which was founded by Supervisor O'Grady and his wife, and named for a beloved O'Grady family rescue cat. For more information on Pet-Palooza, visit the Township website orlandtownship.org/petpalooza or call (708) 403-4222.